Aaron Jones vs Ty Johnson: Who Should You Start?
Aaron Jones and Ty Johnson 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 Ty Johnson posted 5.2 PPG in 17 appearances for the Buffalo Bills.
A 3.5-PPG gap gives Aaron Jones 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.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Aaron Jones ran for 548 yards and 2 touchdowns; Ty Johnson posted 200 and 3. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Aaron Jones sits Week 6 while Ty Johnson is off Week 12. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
