Who Should I Start? Alexander Mattison or Anthony McFarland Jr.

Monday, March 18, 6:02 PM

Former Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison is signing an undisclosed deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, according to a source. Mattison is still only 25 years old and recorded 17 touchdowns in his five seasons in Minnesota after they took him in the third round in the 2019 draft out of Boise State. The 25-year-old was a disappointment in 2023 while taking over the lead-back role from Dalvin Cook, though, which is why Mattison was released this offseason. In 16 games (13 starts) last year, Mattison had a career-high 180 carries for 700 yards (3.9 yards per carry) and no rushing touchdowns while adding 30 catches for 192 yards and three touchdowns. Josh Jacobs is no longer in Vegas, but Mattison figures to work in a timeshare with Zamir White in his first year in Sin City in 2024.

Thursday, August 24, 11:23 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. handled 10 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown in the team's preseason victory over the Atlanta Falcons. McFarland relieved Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren of their duties in the first quarter and received plenty of opportunities in the first half. The fourth-year pro powered through multiple Falcons defenders for a five-yard score in the second quarter that gave the Steelers a 24-0 lead. After an impressive summer, McFarland has given himself a great shot to make the final 53-man roster but is unlikely to make an impact for fantasy football in 2023.