Carson Wentz’s fantasy ceiling hinges on the surrounding cast and coaching. The Vikings’ setup under Kevin O’Connell promises structure, a solid offensive line, and weapons that fit his approach. Wentz’s last meaningful season was 2022 with Washington, behind a weak unit, so his numbers then reflected roster quality more than raw talent.

Historically, his output tracks roster strength: when pass and run blocking are solid and receivers are productive, he performs; when the supporting cast falters, so does he. Minnesota could supply a better environment, and top OL play could unlock a steady floor with upside if protection holds and the run game stays competent.

Aaron Jones is placed on injured reserve with a hamstring, joining J.J. McCarthy on the Vikings’ sidelined list. Jordan Mason steps into the lead-back role, and early Week 2 touches hint at a clearer, steadier workload as Minnesota waits on quarterback clarity. Jones is out a minimum of four weeks, reshaping the backfield for fantasy expectations.

With Mason handling more carries and Minnesota likely leaning toward a patient, run‑first script, the offense may ride the ground game while the QB situation behind center remains unsettled. Mason could be the steady source of fantasy points for the near term even as the Vikings figure out their passer situation behind center.

Aaron Jones is out four weeks after going on IR with a hamstring injury, shifting major early-season workload to Jordan Mason in a new every-down role. Austin Ekeler is done for the year with an Achilles tear, leaving Washington Commanders’ backfield trio of Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols to absorb volume. Tyjae Spears could return in Week 5, giving Tennessee a much-needed boost behind Tony Pollard’s workload. Jaylen Wright is a strong bet to debut for Miami against Buffalo if cleared, while Rasheen Ali is sidelined by a concussion and Keaton Mitchell looms as the Ravens’ next specialist option. Kyle Juszczyk’s concussion further thins San Francisco’s blocking defense, joining George Kittle and Brock Purdy on the injury report. In short, backfields across the league are in flux heading into Week 3.

Specify your lineups with an eye on pass-catching upside and changing handcuff dynamics: Mason for immediate RB2–flex value, Croskey-Merritt and Rodriguez Jr. sharing volume in Ekeler’s absence, and Mitchell nudging into meaningful snaps if Ali remains out. Spear’s return would immediately restore Titans’ backfield depth, while Wright’s status could unlock Dolphins’ late-week upside against Buffalo for fantasy rosters in need of a boost.

Aaron Jones lands on IR with a four-week hamstring timeline, forcing Minnesota to lean on a reshuffled backfield. Mason steps in as lead back, and Cam Akers could join as depth. Jones’ 2024 breakout, 1,138 rushing yards, and a 27-yard Week 1 TD loom as benchmarks in a Week 3 mismatch against Cincinnati.

The offense shifts with J.J. McCarthy sidelined; Carson Wentz is slated to start, while Jake Browning handles Cincinnati’s quarterback duties. Minnesota sits as a small home favorite, elevating Mason’s fantasy ceiling and Akers’ late-season upside in a backfield-by-committee landscape.

Expect Mason to command a sizeable early-down role, with Akers offering insurance and dormancy risk but upside in favorable scripts. This creates real DFS and weekly RB2 intrigue as the Vikings navigate the next four weeks.