Who Should I Start? Jarquez Hunter or Phil Mafah


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.0 6.1 0.0 0.1 0.7 0.0

Jarquez Hunter News

Jarquez Hunter Unlikely to See a Role in 2026

Wednesday, July 1, 5:13 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter was active for only five games and did not register a single offensive snap as a fourth-round rookie in 2025. While 2024 third-round pick Blake Corum enjoyed a modest year-two breakout after a quiet rookie season of his own, that second-season surge is precisely what makes Hunter's own path to fantasy relevance so difficult to envision. Corum is projected for an even larger role in 2026, while Kyren Williams remains one of the most trustworthy running backs in the league, averaging more than 1,450 yards from scrimmage and almost 15 touchdowns over the past three seasons. Head coach Sean McVay has tended to lean on a single bell cow back, occasionally mixing in a second runner when his depth charts have allowed for it, but only one time in nine seasons has he seen a third running back handle at least 50 carries. Hunter possesses a rare blend of burst and power, and the Rams' backfield under McVay has been among fantasy's most productive should he ever see an opportunity for extended work. However, history suggests that opportunity will not be coming in 2026, and at RotoBaller's RB86, Hunter has become an unfortunate drop candidate for dynasty managers facing a roster crunch.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.6 7.8 0.1 0.3 2.2 0.0

Phil Mafah News

Phil Mafah on the RB Bubble in Dallas Heading into Training Camp

Friday, July 17, 5:33 PM

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Nick Harris lists Dallas Cowboys running backs Phil Mafah, Jaydon Blue, and Malik Davis as on the bubble heading into training camp this summer. Behind workhorse Javonte Williams, the Cowboys don't have a clear-cut favorite for the RB2 role, "which will create a fascinating battle in training camp and the preseason." The 23-year-old Mafah, who was a seventh-rounder last year out of Clemson, played in only one game and had five rushing attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown. He also caught both of his targets for 11 yards. He's fully healthy and looking to keep the momentum going after a strong offseason "in the eyes of his coaches." Harris writes that Blue has more natural ability than Mafah and Davis due to his explosive speed and receiving abilities, but he will have to win over the coaches after he showed immaturity as a rookie in 2025. Going into training camp, Mafah is only a hold in deep dynasty/keeper leagues as he battles for a depth role in Big D.


Jarquez Hunter vs. Phil Mafah

Still trying to decide between Hunter and Mafah? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jarquez Hunter is projected to score 1.0 points this week while Phil Mafah is projected to score 1.6 points.