Former Inexperienced Bay Packers and present Minnesota Vikings operating again Aaron Jones has been a solid-to-elite fantasy soccer asset for a number of years. Jones has had unbelievable growth video games for the Packers that may frustrate opposing fantasy managers.
The Packers determined to maneuver on from Jones this offseason, and he signed with Inexperienced Bay’s NFC North rival Vikings on a one-year, $7 million contract. Jones ought to step right into a beginning function, however the query is whether or not an RB1-type end is inside the playing cards in 2024.
Be sure to hold updated with all of your fantasy soccer wants by following RotoBaller on X and trying out RotoBaller.com. Let’s focus on whether or not you have to be in or out on Jones for the 2024 season.
Be sure you verify all of our fantasy soccer rankings for 2024 fantasy soccer drafts:
The Unhealthy – Constant Decline With Age
Jones is heading into his age-30 season, the place operating backs have a tendency to start their decline in each fantasy and real-life manufacturing by the point they’re 27 or 28. Since 2019, Jones has completed because the RB2, RB5, RB10, RB9, and RB37 in every subsequent yr. He has completed as a top-10 again 4 instances over the previous 5 seasons, however the constant decline and alarming drop-off in 2023 is trigger for concern.
Whereas Jones solely performed in 11 video games in 2023, the decline in whole fantasy end has not all been resulting from damage. Jones’ whole touchdowns have declined each season in that very same span, going from 19 to 11, 10, seven, and three touchdowns. Jones has not seen extraordinary quantity all through his profession, however sufficient operating again touches will ultimately meet up with you.
The Good – The Effectivity Stays
Jones has by no means been a high-volume participant in Inexperienced Bay’s multi-headed dashing assault. Nonetheless, he has been persistently environment friendly together with his touches. Jones’ dashing common has diversified between 4.6 and 5.5 yards per carry all through his complete profession. Likewise, he has usually averaged between 6.7 and seven.9 yards per reception. Jones’ two outlier seasons in that division got here when he averaged 2.4 yards per reception on low receiving quantity throughout his rookie yr and 9.7 yards per reception throughout his breakout 2019 marketing campaign.
Jones figures to inherit an identical function in Minnesota, particularly with second-year again Ty Chandler poised to obtain some work. If Jones receives 200-250 touches in 2024, then he shall be in prime place to supply 1,200 or extra whole yards.
Per @Alec_Lewis, #Vikings RB1 Aaron Jones seems to be “motivated and hungry to stay it” to the #Packers 
Lewis additionally famous RB2 Ty Chandler is “a locker room favourite.” The gamers assume he might be nice and having Jones as a mentor “is a massively optimistic issue.” pic.twitter.com/d2hDOmhI2T
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 18, 2024
The Unhealthy – What’s the Vikings Offense?
Jones is entering into an offense that was electrical with Kirk Cousins, however will both be quarterbacked by Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy in 2024. Everyone knows what Darnold is as a participant. Whereas McCarthy might (and may) be NFL quarterback, he’s nonetheless a rookie and can expertise rising pains on this offense ought to he have the chance to play in 2024.
Fortunately for the Vikings quarterbacks in 2024, there are already loads of weapons in place like broad receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and tight finish T.J. Hockenson, who’s coming off a torn ACL. The Vikings even have an excellent protection, which ought to permit them to remain in video games and stay balanced offensively. Lastly, the Vikings have offensive line, which ought to take stress off the quarterback and permit the Vikings to run the ball.
If Darnold can capitalize on the chance in entrance of him or McCarthy seems to be the actual deal early on, then this offense could not battle the best way that some consider it’d.
AARON JONES! 53 YARDS!
: #GBvsSF on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/yDUx5ZutVa pic.twitter.com/WZg1zrGVdD
— NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2024
The Good – Draft Value
Jones is being drafted because the RB18 within the fifth-to-seventh-round vary relying in your league dimension. He’s being drafted as a low-end RB2, which might be about what you want out of him on your staff. Different operating backs drafted in that vary embody Alvin Kamara, David Montgomery, Najee Harris, and Rhamondre Stevenson. Jones demonstrated in 2023 that when wholesome, he’s nonetheless much more explosive than any of these gamers.
Should you miss on a few of the operating backs being drafted within the RB10-to-RB17 vary, then Jones can be an excellent choice at his draft-day value.
6 Below the Radar Gamers to Goal in Your Fantasy Soccer Draft
-Aaron Jones
-Kirk Cousins
-Chase Brown
-Curtis Samuel
-Rome Odunze
-Javonte Williams
Which of those gamers is your favourite decide?pic.twitter.com/5Nng56FYci
— Moody (@EricNMoody) June 20, 2024
Are You In or Out?
Age, Jones’ current damage historical past, and a decline in fantasy manufacturing scream that we should always keep away from Jones in fantasy for 2024. Nonetheless, Jones could have a sneaky good fantasy season. He’s going to a Vikings offense with a wonderful play-caller in head coach Kevin O’Connell. Whereas this offense will not be elite, it ought to enhance all through the season.
Jones won’t be the participant you need to anchor your staff like in previous years. Fantasy managers like to keep away from getting old operating backs, and rightfully so. Nonetheless, you’re drafting this participant to be a low-end RB2 or a possible flex choice. He will definitely present that stage of worth when wholesome.
There can be heightened considerations if we noticed the effectivity decline like different current getting old operating backs akin to Ezekiel Elliott. Jones displayed that he nonetheless has juice in 2023. The Vikings will probably use Ty Chandler usually to make sure that Jones stays wholesome. If this staff seems to be aggressive in most video games, then Jones can have a strong likelihood to be productive for yet one more yr. Should you enter his draft vary with one or no operating backs in your roster, then don’t be afraid to look Jones’ means.
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