Aaron Jones vs Ashton Jeanty: Who Should You Start?
Aaron Jones and Ashton Jeanty are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Aaron Jones averaged 8.7 PPG across 12 games with the Minnesota Vikings, while Ashton Jeanty posted 12.8 PPG in 17 appearances for the Las Vegas Raiders.
A 4.1-PPG gap gives Ashton Jeanty the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Ashton Jeanty is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 55 targets into 346 yards, while Aaron Jones profiles as a more traditional rusher with 548 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Ashton Jeanty carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Aaron Jones sits Week 6 while Ashton Jeanty is off Week 10. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
