Can Aaron Jones be a difference maker in 2023?

Packers RB Aaron Jones is about as reliable as they come for fantasy managers. Jones finished last season with six top-12 weekly finishes and two more inside the top-24. In total, Jones finished as an RB3 or better in 15 of his 17 games. Among 41 RBs who received 100+ carries in 2022, Jones ranked second in PFF rushing grade, ninth in elusive rating, and 11th in yards after contact per attempt (3.20). There's a reason why he hasn't finished outside the top 12 overall RBs in PPR since 2018. However, there's a risk that streak comes to an end in 2023 with new QB Jordan Love under center. It's reasonable to expect the team will help Love by running the ball plenty, but that'll cut into Jones' production as a receiver out of the backfield. The Packers were fairly neutral in run-pass rate last year, though they did finish 18th in Pass Rate Over Expectation. If that drops any further with Love at the helm, Jones' fantasy ceiling will certainly take a hit. His effectiveness as a pass-catcher is already showing signs of decline, too. Of the 17 RBs who saw 50+ targets last year, Jones finished 13th in PFF receiving grade, 10th in yards per route run (1.25), and 14th in drop rate (9.2%). While not terrible, Jones declined in all three marks vs. 2021. So maybe he can bounce back in that department, but we're not expecting much. See where Jones lands in our current RB rankings.

The Vikings have agreed to a deal with former Packers RB Aaron Jones, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. This comes just a day after Jones' release and Green Bay's announced deal with RB Josh Jacobs. Minnesota finished last season with Ty Chandler leading the backfield, and he should still factor in a decent amount. Jones has averaged 12.1 carries per game for his career and reached 13.0 in just two of his seven seasons. But we're betting Jones will lead the Vikings in both carries and RB targets. He should be a top-24 RB across draft formats and carries upside into the top 12. Jones turned 29 in December but also closed out the season with five straight games of 108+ rushing yards (and 18+ carries in each of those). Chandler looks like an RB4 -- with handcuff upside behind a starter who has missed games in five of seven seasons. Check our updated RB rankings to see where the new teammates land.

The Packers now plan to release RB Aaron Jones, according to multiple reports. This comes on the heels of the Josh Jacobs news, which makes the move unsurprising. Jones spent all seven of his pro seasons to date with Green Bay and remained effective when healthy in 2023. That included racking up 108+ rushing yards in each of the final five games, including both playoff outings. Expect the 29-year-old to land another gig with at least solid opportunity. And keep an eye on Jones to potentially slide in best ball ADP while he doesn't have a team.

Packers RB Aaron Jones drew 13 of Green Bay's 17 rushing attempts in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers. That marked an 86.7% share of RB carries for the game. Jones led the backfield with 4 targets as well, but he actually trailed RB Patrick Taylor in routes. Jones also led Taylor by just 4 total snaps. It amounted to Jones basically taking the place of AJ Dillon -- who missed the game with a thumb injury. That's surprising because Jones has seen strong receiving usage throughout his career. Green Bay gets a high-upside RB-scoring matchup with Carolina in Week 16. That will help Jones' outlook, regardless of Dillon's status. But Sunday's usage adds some uncertainty to Jones' touch outlook.

Packers RB Aaron Jones (knee) is active for today’s game vs. the Bucs. RB A.J. Dillon (thumb) is inactive, leaving RBs Patrick Taylor and Kenyan Drake behind Jones. There’s certainly a chance that Jones dominates work today, but the Packers might also limit his work in his first action since Week 11. He carries a wide range of outcomes this week: a RB3-level floor to a RB1-level ceiling.

Packers RB Aaron Jones (knee) is expected to play vs. the Bucs today, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. No word yet on whether RB A.J. Dillon will play through his broken thumb. Dillon's absence would add upside to Jones -- although we'd be surprised if the Packers gave Jones a huge workload in his first action since Week 11.