Who Should I Start? D'Ernest Johnson or Phil Mafah

Sunday, August 17, 9:34 AM

Baltimore Ravens running back D'Ernest Johnson has looked solid in the seventh preseason of his career. During the 31-13 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Johnson accrued 61 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and one reception for six yards on four targets. After playing a depth role in Jacksonville last season, Johnson is looking to bring his versatility to another team. He currently has 29 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown through two games this preseason. While it doesn't seem too likely that he sticks in Baltimore, he could get another opportunity if someone suffers an injury around the league. Johnson registered more than 41 carries in just one season and finished last year with 32 carries for 143 yards and 12 catches for 96 yards on 19 targets.

Saturday, August 9, 11:43 AM

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Phil Mafah indicated Friday that he played through a torn labrum in his shoulder during his final college season at Clemson, Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News reports. Mafah has been looking good in camp thus far and mentioned that he is feeling healthy, then proceeded to discuss his 2024 injury. During the 2024 season, he rushed for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns on 216 carries. He also caught 21 passes for 103 yards and played all 14 games, starting every one, and was voted a permanent team captain by his teammates. Those are still solid numbers considering he was dealing with a shoulder injury. Nonetheless, it could be why he fell to the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft in the spring. A big performance from Mafah on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams could create a running back battle in the Cowboys' backfield between the two veterans (Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders) and the two rookies (Jaydon Blue and Mafah) ahead of Week 1. At this point, from a fantasy standpoint, Mafah remains a dynasty stash at best.