Who Should I Start? Isaiah Davis or Phil Mafah

Tuesday, December 9, 11:59 AM

Across 13 games so far in 2025, New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis has recorded 277 scrimmage yards on 43 touches. Davis has served as the Jets' RB2 behind Breece Hall since Week 4, when second-year back Braelon Allen (knee) suffered a knee injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. The Jets have given almost all of their backfield work to Hall, as Davis has logged more than four touches in a game just twice this season. Davis has zero standalone value for fantasy managers as long as Hall remains healthy. However, if Hall were to get injured, Davis would be in line to dominate backfield touches in New York. As fantasy managers hit the playoffs in most league formats, Davis could be worth stashing in a bench spot just in case Hall gets hurt. The Jets will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and New England Patriots over the next three weeks.

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.