Fantasy Football Sleeper Alert: Why Jordan Mason Is the Handcuff RB You Need in 2025

So here we are—August is in full swing. The pads are popping, the quarterback battles are heating up, and training camp whispers are slowly turning into roster-shaping headlines. While pre-season games are just teasing us right now, let’s be real—what fans are really thinking about is fantasy football.

And it’s not just about drafting the studs like Patrick Mahomes or Justin Jefferson anymore. That’s easy. The real magic? Finding that sneaky-good player—the one who everyone passes on in the late rounds—who ends up carrying your team to a championship.

This is where handcuff running backs come into the picture.

You know the type. The guy behind the starter who most people assume won’t see the field... until one injury, one scheme change, or one coaching decision changes everything. And suddenly, boom—you’ve got yourself a weekly starter that cost you a 12th-round pick.

Well, if you're hunting for this year's breakout handcuff, the name that should be shooting up your radar is Jordan Mason, the newest back in the Minnesota Vikings backfield.

🔥 Why Jordan Mason Deserves Your Attention

Recently, Bleacher Report dropped a list ranking every NFL team by their backup running back situation, and guess who slid right into the #4 spot? That’s right—Jordan Mason.

Now, let’s pause for a second here. We’re talking about a guy who was pretty much buried on the depth chart with the 49ers last season. But when Christian McCaffrey (yes, that Christian McCaffrey) was banged up with Achilles and knee issues, Mason got his chance. And he didn’t just fill in—he made an impact.

📊 2024 Stat Recap:

• 789 rushing yards

• 3 touchdowns

• Multiple clutch runs in high-leverage moments

Okay, sure—those numbers aren’t exactly league-shattering, but they’re rock-solid considering the limited reps. And for fantasy managers with sharp eyes, they signaled something even more important: Mason has starter potential.

🟣 The Minnesota Factor

The Vikings' running back room is in a transitional phase. With veteran Aaron Jones now slated to be the RB1, many are wondering how much workload he’ll be able to handle over a 17-game stretch. He’s 30 now, and while still effective, durability questions remain.

Enter Jordan Mason.

Not only is he expected to be the perfect complement to Jones with his burst and vision, but there’s already buzz around the coaching staff possibly leaning more on the ground game, especially with rookie J.J. McCarthy likely to start under center.

🚨 Key Fantasy Insights:

Here’s why you should consider stashing Mason:

✅ Goal-line usage: If the Vikings want to preserve Aaron Jones for the full season, don’t be shocked if Mason starts punching in red zone touches.

✅ McCarthy insurance: If the rookie QB struggles, look for head coach Kevin O’Connell to simplify the offense and let the ground game carry the load—aka more carries for Mason.

✅ Proven experience: Unlike many backups, Mason has already shown what he can do with a decent workload against NFL defenses.

✅ Clear RB2 role: After the Vikings acquired him from the Niners, it’s pretty evident they wanted more than just a warm body for depth. Mason is here to play.

🏈 Handcuff Hierarchy – Where Mason Stands

Let’s put this in perspective. According to Bleacher Report, only three backs rank ahead of Mason in the 2025 handcuff power rankings:

1. Zach Charbonnet – Seattle Seahawks
   A dual-threat guy who's nipping at the heels of Kenneth Walker III.

2. Jaylen Warren – Pittsburgh Steelers
   Known for his explosive runs and slowly creeping into a 1B role next to Najee Harris.

3. David Montgomery – Detroit Lions
   Arguably in a split-backfield situation with Jahmyr Gibbs, which already gives him standalone value.

Then comes Jordan Mason. Think about that. That’s elite company. And yet—he’s still flying under the radar in most drafts.

💡 Draft Strategy Tips:

Let’s get practical. If you're drafting in the next few weeks, here’s how to use this info:

🔹 Target Mason in the 11th–13th round.
He’s a perfect stash with massive upside.

🔹 If you draft Aaron Jones, Mason is a must.
Lock up the Vikings’ backfield and you’re covered in case of injury or rotation.

🔹 Even if you don’t have Jones, grab Mason late.
He could easily turn into a trade chip or flex option mid-season.

🔹 Watch training camp closely.
Any hint of Jones slowing down or Mason taking 1st-team reps will cause his ADP to jump.

💬 The Bottom Line

In fantasy football, it’s all about playing chess while the rest of your league is playing checkers. Sure, the big names win you headlines. But the savvy late-round picks? That’s how you win titles.

Jordan Mason might not be a household name—yet. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that injuries happen, rookies stumble, and second-stringers become stars.

Don’t be the person kicking yourself in Week 7 when Mason drops 80 yards and two touchdowns on a divisional rival while sitting on someone else’s bench. Be the one who saw it coming.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Fantasy football is part research, part gut, and part luck. Mason fits into that research part beautifully—he’s got the situation, the talent, and the opportunity to be a league-winner if things break right. And even if they don’t? You spent a low pick on a guy who could still see meaningful touches in a run-heavy offense.

So when you’re drafting this season and everyone else is scrambling to find the next big thing—be a step ahead. Jordan Mason might just be the backfield lottery ticket you’ve been waiting for.