Who Should I Start? Alexander Mattison or Braelon Allen

Thursday, March 13, 9:35 PM

Former Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison is signing an undisclosed deal on Thursday with the Miami Dolphins, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Earlier in the day, former Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert signed with the Raiders in free agency. The 26-year-old Mattison joined the Raiders in 2024 after spending his first five years in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings. He eventually took over the lead-back role from a disappointing Zamir White and carried the ball 132 times for 420 yards and four touchdowns (a career-low 3.2 yards per tote) in 14 games (seven starts), adding a career-high 36 catches for 294 yards and another score. Mattison's move to Miami is a big downgrade, as he'll merely be competing for a change-of-pace role with Jaylen Wright behind unquestioned starter De'Von Achane. He'll be avoidable in most fantasy drafts this fall.

Tuesday, June 3, 12:22 PM

SI.com's Albert Breer thinks that New York Jets running back Braelon Allen could have a significant role in the team's offense this year alongside Breece Hall. In his first year in the NFL in 2024, Allen had 92 carries for 334 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, adding 19 receptions on 27 targets for 148 yards and another score in 17 games (two starts). The 21-year-old is one of the slower RBs in the league and mainly excels in short-yardage/goal-line situations, but he's also an excellent pass protector and is a polished pass-catcher out of the backfield. Allen lost steam as his rookie season wore on and even lost reps to fifth-rounder Isaiah Davis, but with new head coach Aaron Glenn wanting to establish a run-heavy approach in his first season at the helm, it's possible Allen could see more usage alongside Hall in 2025. At best, though, he's probably a handcuff again for those that select Hall.