Who Should I Start? Michael Carter or Phil Mafah

Saturday, October 18, 11:04 AM

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is set to receive more opportunities after a third member of the backfield went down with an injury in Emari Demercado (ankle). During the Week 6 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, Carter saw 44% of the snap share after getting 58% against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. Against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7, Carter and Bam Knight will split the backfield work, but Carter is likely to see some more opportunities in the passing game. He received five targets in each of the last two games and turned them into seven receptions for 52 yards. The Packers are ranked fifth against opposing running backs, however, and have given up just two touchdowns on the ground this season. Carter does hold some low-end flex value in deeper leagues, but he'll be hard to trust since the Cardinals will likely go with the hot hand.

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.