Who Should I Start? DJ Giddens or Phil Mafah

Saturday, October 4, 11:01 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens will look to see a larger role in a Week 5 home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Giddens has been quiet since a Week 1 win where he saw 12 carries. The Colts have leaned heavily on starter Jonathan Taylor since the season opener, which has cut into Giddens' workload. That being said, fellow backup running back Tyler Goodson (groin) has been ruled out for a Week 5 home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, which will leave Giddens as the team's main backup running back behind Taylor. Giddens should not be in starting lineups in fantasy, but he remains a top handcuff option in case Taylor is forced to miss time at some point this season.

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.