Who Should I Start? Rasheen Ali or Phil Mafah

Saturday, August 23, 3:49 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali showcased some versatility for the team in the 30-3 preseason victory over the Washington Commanders. Ali registered nine carries for 36 yards and a touchdown, adding five receptions for 16 yards. The second-year pick out of Marshall is currently listed as the RB4 on the depth chart, battling for a roster spot with D'Ernest Johnson, who also had a productive game. Despite this productive outing, he doesn't currently offer any fantasy value, and this preseason performance shouldn't have a significant impact on fantasy managers' draft decisions heading into Baltimore's Week 1 Sunday Night Football clash with the Buffalo Bills.

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.