Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or Phil Mafah

Friday, November 28, 7:50 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols has maintained his role as the team's primary back on pass downs for the majority of this season. McNichols has totaled 26 carries for 181 yards and a touchdown to go along with 15 receptions for 149 yards on 20 targets as a receiver. The veteran has two games with double-digit PPR points this season, with the first coming in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders when he broke off a career-long 60-yard touchdown run, and the second in Week 8 versus the Kansas City Chiefs when he racked up five receptions for 64 yards. McNichols' season high for touches is only six as he remains behind Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, so the weekly floor for fantasy is still low, keeping him relevant primarily in deeper leagues.

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.