Who Should I Start? Phil Mafah or Demond Claiborne

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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 Exits Preseason Opener with a Chest Injury

Sunday, August 16, 6:49 AM

Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah (chest) exited Saturday night's preseason opener against the Seahawks with a chest injury and did not return. A seventh-round pick in 2025, Mafah earned only seven total opportunities as a rookie, but with the team's primary backup job up for grabs behind locked-in starter Javonte Williams, he has been part of a training camp battle that includes fellow second-year player Jaydon Blue and veteran Malik Davis. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer indicated after the game that the injury did not appear to be overly serious. Still, Mafah's status bears watching in the lead-up to the regular season. While the second running back spot in Dallas holds almost no standalone value, whoever earns the role will become an important handcuff to Williams.

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
1.5 7.1 0.1 0.3 2.1 0.0

Demond Claiborne News

Demond Claiborne Leads Vikings In Rushing Saturday

Saturday, August 15, 12:15 PM

Running back Demond Claiborne of the Minnesota Vikings earned a team-high 12 carries for 34 yards in the club's preseason opener against the New York Giants. Playing mostly behind the Vikings' backups on the offensive line, Claiborne still showed some juice despite limited space to run, including a nine-yard burst that gained a first down to set up Minnesota's lone touchdown. The rookie will begin the season behind Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason, though his impressive speed and receiving potential give him a chance to win playing time in a backfield with two veterans on expiring deals. Claiborne, a sixth-round pick, has serious long-term potential in dynasty formats, but he also could be a high-priority waiver candidate in redraft leagues if either Jones or Mason misses extended time.

Phil Mafah vs. Demond Claiborne

Still trying to decide between Mafah and Claiborne? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Phil Mafah is projected to score 1.6 points this week while Demond Claiborne is projected to score 1.5 points.