Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or Phil Mafah

Friday, September 26, 9:57 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols had one of the highlight plays of the week with a beast mode-style run for a 60-yard touchdown last week against the Raiders. McNichols played the fewest of any Washington back at 23% and had only four carries, but he made the most of his opportunities. The 29-year-old is expected to fill in for Austin Ekeler as the team's third-down back because of his prowess as a pass protector and capability as a receiver. That opens the door for some dump-off passes and checkdowns, making him slightly intriguing. He will mix in occasionally on early downs and earn a few carries, but it won't be huge. McNichols is a desperation start against Atlanta in Week 4.

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.