Who Should I Start? A.J. Dillon or Phil Mafah

Wednesday, October 8, 6:36 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back A.J. Dillon once again saw himself get priority over Will Shipley for second-in-command in the backfield this past Sunday, but that meant playing just 14.8% of offensive snaps compared to Shipley's 13.1%. Dillon carried the ball twice for 12 yards, with one attempt coming in the red zone. It seems like Shipley will get more usage in the passing game than his counterpart, being targeted twice while Dillon did not get any looks. Regardless, neither Dillon nor Shipley are involved enough to warrant a start in fantasy this week.

Sunday, August 31, 4:05 PM

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Phil Mafah (shoulder) has been placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the regular season with a shoulder injury suffered in the preseason finale. The seventh-round pick out of Clemson showed flashes in the preseason with 15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown, good for a solid 3.9 yards per carry. Standing six-foot and weighing 234 pounds, Mafah's big-bodied, between-the-tackles style was impressive in his final college season, rushing for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns. His placement on IR is a setback, but with the Cowboys' current running back situation, a potential revolving door of Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue, Mafah remains a potential contributor later in the season. He is worth a roster spot in deeper dynasty leagues. Still, his fantasy value will stay uncertain until he returns to full health and the backfield situation becomes clearer throughout the season.