Who Should I Start? Phil Mafah or Seth McGowan


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.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.4 6.5 0.1 0.3 1.9 0.0

Seth McGowan News

Seth McGowan Quiet in First Opportunity as a Preseason Starter

Friday, August 14, 1:08 PM

Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Seth McGowan started in Thursday's 13-13 preseason opening tie against the New England Patriots. With lead running back Jonathan Taylor held out, McGowan only racked up 17 yards on his five carries and lost a fumble. McGowan was unable to capitalize on this early opportunity to solidify himself as the team's RB2, as fellow running back DJ Giddens (hamstring) was held out of the game due to injury. Deep Dynasty managers should continue to hold out hope for McGowan as the young rookie develops and gains more experience next week against the Atlanta Falcons. If McGowan can earn that RB2 role, he could also be a valuable handcuff for Taylor managers in redraft leagues.


Phil Mafah vs. Seth McGowan

Still trying to decide between Mafah and McGowan? 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 Seth McGowan is projected to score 1.4 points.