Who Should I Start? Israel Abanikanda or Michael Carter


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.3 8.6 0.1 0.1 0.8 0.0

Israel Abanikanda News

Israel Abanikanda Exceeding Expectations in Cowboys Camp

Friday, August 21, 12:12 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Israel Abanikanda has exceeded expectations in training camp so far, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Abanikanda has not appeared in an NFL game since his rookie season in 2023, when he recorded 113 scrimmage yards on 29 touches across six games with the New York Jets. He spent the final portion of the 2025 season on the Cowboys' practice squad and is now competing for a spot on the team's 53-man roster this summer. Dallas has a clear leader in the backfield in running back Javonte Williams. However, the team's RB2 job appears to be an open competition between Jaydon Blue (shoulder), Malik Davis, and Phil Mafah. With all three of those players largely unproven as NFL contributors, Abanikanda may have a chance to work his way into the mix for the Cowboys. In deeper league formats, Abanikanda may be a name for fantasy managers to keep an eye on throughout the remainder of the preseason.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.3 1.5 0.0 0.1 0.6 0.0

Michael Carter News

Michael Carter Might Have Inside Track on Final RB Spot

Thursday, July 16, 9:34 AM

The Tennessee Titans signed veteran running back Michael Carter this offseason, and he could have the inside track to the final RB spot on the 53-man roster due to his history with new head coach Robert Saleh with the New York Jets, according to Mark Mihalko of Titans Wire. However, Kalel Mullings was drafted by general manager Mike Borgonzi, and when healthy, he gives the Titans backfield a different skill set. The 27-year-old Carter spent the last two seasons in the desert with the Arizona Cardinals and had 92 carries for 333 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and one rushing touchdown in 13 games (five starts) in 2025 in his fifth year in the league. Carter added 33 receptions on 45 targets for 267 yards and no touchdowns as a pass-catcher. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are the Titans' unquestioned top-two RBs heading into the 2026 campaign, so Carter will be competing for a depth role with Mullings and rookie Nicholas Singleton this year. Most likely, Carter will not be fantasy relevant unless injuries hit Tennessee's backfield hard.


Israel Abanikanda vs. Michael Carter

Still trying to decide between Abanikanda and Carter? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Israel Abanikanda is projected to score 1.3 points this week while Michael Carter is projected to score 0.3 points.