Who Should I Start? Alexander Mattison or Marvin Harrison Jr.

Monday, October 28, 10:15 AM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison seemed to have wrested control of the lead running back role for his team in their Week 8 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was highly inefficient with his touches, though. He carried the ball 14 times for 15 yards (a paltry 1.1 yards per carry), and caught five passes on five targets for 29 yards. Most notably, he rushed for two yards, no gain, and negative-two yards after Las Vegas took possession due to an interception by opposing QB Patrick Mahomes II. The goal-line stand took away Mattison's best chance at scoring a touchdown. The majority of his fantasy value appears to be tied to PPR points from high target volume, but he'll have an easier matchup in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals and profiles as a FLEX option in deeper leagues.

Sunday, October 27, 10:00 PM

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. finally got back on track with a 22-yard touchdown catch in the Week 8 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Harrison Jr. hauled in six catches for 111 yards and a touchdown, which is on par for a WR1-type outing. The Cardinals showed a commitment to scheming up looks for Harrison Jr. to get the ball despite playing against one of the top passing defenses in the NFL. If they continue that commitment, fantasy managers should once again feel confident in starting Harrison Jr. He appears to be valued as a high-end WR2 when the Cardinals host the Chicago Bears in Week 9.