Who Should I Start? Frank Gore Jr. or Phil Mafah

Monday, October 14, 6:10 PM

The Buffalo Bills elevated rookie running back Frank Gore Jr. from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster for Monday night's divisional showdown against the New York Jets. This could be a sign that James Cook (toe), who was listed as questionable to play in Week 6, may not be available to play on Monday night. But the Bills could also be electing for extra backfield depth behind Cook, Ty Johnson and rookie Ray Davis. Fantasy managers should know Cook's official status for Monday's primetime contest in another hour. The 22-year-old Gore hasn't played at all through the first five weeks of his rookie season in the NFL after going undrafted out of Southern Miss. At best, Gore could see some short-yardage work for Buffalo whenever he makes his NFL debut, but he can be ignored in all single-year fantasy formats for the time being.

Wednesday, May 7, 8:14 PM

The Dallas Cowboys have signed seventh-round rookie running back Phil Mafah to a four-year, $4.31 million deal, per the team's transaction log. Mafah spent his entire college career at Clemson, garnering seven starts over his first three seasons before starting in all 14 games in 2024. He broke out last year, rushing for 1,115 yards and eight touchdowns across 216 carries (5.2 YPC). The 22-year-old wasn't much of a receiver over his first two campaigns, but he caught 21 balls in each of his junior and senior seasons, though he did not score any TDs there. Like his fellow rookie rusher Jaydon Blue, Mafah will have the opportunity to crack Dallas' backfield due to the lack of competition in front of him. This RB room will be one to watch throughout the months leading up to the NFL season.