Who Should I Start? Kimani Vidal or Phil Mafah

Tuesday, November 18, 12:53 AM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal carried the ball five times for 13 yards and caught two passes for -1 yards in the team's worst offensive showing of the year with a 35-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He briefly left the game with a thigh injury before returning, but the offense never found its rhythm, running only 45 plays and maintaining possession for just 22 minutes. Vidal's roller-coaster season continued, fluctuating between productive games and complete duds. His workload might decrease after the Bolts' much-needed Week 12 bye, as rookie Omarion Hampton (ankle) appears close to returning from IR after shedding his walking boot and resuming side work in practice. If Hampton is activated in Week 13, Vidal could shift back into a secondary role. The bye week arrives at the perfect time for his recovery and for fantasy managers looking for clarity.

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.