Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Phil Mafah

Tuesday, December 9, 11:13 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine has had a meaningful role in the offense over the past two weeks, playing 38.5% of the snaps while handling 20 carries for 70 yards with three receptions (three targets) for 20 yards. However, he's been firmly behind starter Chase Brown, who has played 62.9% of the snaps with 27 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown while adding 10 catches for 47 yards and another touchdown on 11 targets. Perine is a trusted veteran in pass protection and has familiarity with the Bengals offense, so he should maintain a healthy role behind Brown. His usage would tick up if Brown were to miss time, but his current value is just limited to deeper formats as a handcuff.

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.