It’s hard to believe the first NFL preseason game of the year is only a few days away. I’ll admit that I’ve been preoccupied this summer with school and my personal life. However, I have been hitting the drafts hard the past few weeks. I’ve been trying to write my research paper for school, but I’m often distracted by training camp news and the ADP movement. Nevertheless, I wanted to talk about Aaron Jones and his interesting situation going from the Packers to the Vikings and what that could mean for Fantasy managers this year.
If you aren’t fully in football mode yet, the Vikings signed former Packers running back Aaron Jones to a one-year deal, a $7 million deal to join the Vikings — one day after being released by their biggest rivals. The Packers signed Josh Jacobs, creating a bitter rivalry. Playing for the Vikings, Jones will get a chance to face his old team twice in 2024, provided he’s healthy.
Vikings OC Praise
Jones recently earned praise from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips for his versatility in the passing game, effectiveness in goal-line situations, and strong football IQ. The Vikings plan to leverage Jones in multiple roles across their offense, making him a valuable and versatile asset heading into the 2024 season. Jones showcased his elite talents during last year’s Wild Card game against the Cowboys, where he shined on national TV with 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns, leading Green Bay to a 48-32 victory.
Injury Concerns
Jones’s health has been a concern, missing six games last season and leaving others early due to being banged up. Jones turns 30 in December, but the way he finished the 2023 season proves he still has a lot of juice in the tank.
Fantasy Impact
The new Vikings running back is going in the 5th round (RB18) in fantasy this draft season. Most fantasy football managers feel the fifth round might be too early for an injury-prone player; however, if you can get him as your RB2, you should get solid production in the games he is healthy.
Yes, Jones wasn’t fully healthy until the end of the last campaign, but he was a weekly standout in Weeks 15 through 20, averaging 21.6 touches and 120.3 total yards.
Jones adds much-need consistency at running back for the Vikings, which has been missing since Dalvin Cook’s departure. For the past two seasons, the Vikings have had a mixed bag of results from their RB rotation. The Vikings’ offensive line and skill position players are on par with Jones’s group in Green Bay, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding the quarterback position. Jones might not have the same scoring possibilities he did with Aaron Rodgers/Jordan Love, but Sam Darnold is a capable short-term starter until first-round pick J.J. McCarthy is ready to go.
The absence of a reliable passer could reduce Jones’s potential in fantasy this year. Nevertheless, Jones should have enough volume to remain a major player in fantasy football as the expected lead back. Plus, he’ll get to play his former squad twice a year ( Week 4 and 15) —who doesn’t enjoy a good “revenge game”?
The X Facor
The main reason I see value in Aaron Jones in 2024 is because of his hands. The Vikings don’t have T.J Hockenson back until late in the season due to injury, and the Vikings will need a check-down target for their passing game. If the Vikings are smart, they’ll try to reduce Jones’ carries, and use him more in the passing game. If he can reproduce his previous years target and reception averages, Jones Value increases in PPR leagues.
