The Minnesota Vikings enter the 2026 fantasy season with a backfield that looks deeper on paper than it has in recent years, and two names dominate the conversation: Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason.
Both players are being drafted in the eleventh round of early Underdog leagues, a spot that reflects a cautious optimism among analysts who see upside beyond their recent RB34 and RB46 finishes.
What fuels that optimism is more than just past performance; it is tied to the team’s offensive scheme under head coach Kevin O'Connell, whose recent RB‑yardage‑before‑contact metrics have hovered between 29th and 17th in the league, indicating room for improvement in the running game.
Mason actually surged to RB17 in PPR scoring during the span when Jones missed Weeks 3 through 7, showing that the Vikings can produce a serviceable starter when the lead back is sidelined.
Why the Late‑Round Pick Could Pay Off
The depth chart also includes Zavier Scott and rookie Demond Claiborne, a player the article describes as a “low‑calorie De’Von Achane: small, darting, electric.” Claiborne’s skill set suggests a change‑of‑pace option that could keep defenses honest.
Fantasy projections place Jones around RB32 for the upcoming season, yet he is currently being drafted as RB40, creating a potential value gap that savvy owners might exploit.
Mason, on the other hand, appears priced closer to his floor than his ceiling, meaning his average draft position may underestimate his upside if the Vikings’ offense clicks early.
The broader narrative ties these pieces together: a refreshed offensive philosophy, a more balanced attack that could see the quarterback—rumored to be Kyler Murray—take more snaps in the red zone, and a running back committee that offers multiple streaming possibilities.