Who Should I Start? Dare Ogunbowale or Phil Mafah

Friday, September 19, 9:15 PM

Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale has played significant snaps in the first two weeks of the season, but the veteran could be in for a reduced workload as the team tries to find more dynamic playmakers to jumpstart the offense. He's expected to play a reduced role against the Jaguars in Week 3 as the Texans lean more on rookie Woody Marks instead of the veteran Obubowale. In Week 1, he played 27% of snaps, and in Week 2, he played 20% of snaps. After two carries and two catches in Week 1, he didn't have an offensive opportunity in Week 2. Marks made some big plays as well, showing the spark he brings to the offense. Ogunbowale is only the RB76 in the RotoBaller Week 3 rankings, so he's off the radar in all but the deepest of leagues 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.