Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Phil Mafah

Friday, October 24, 10:51 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine recorded a season-high seven carries in his team's Week 7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran back has been eating into the workload of Bengals RB1 Chase Brown in recent weeks, as Perine has logged at least 28 offensive snaps in three straight games for Cincinnati. Perine's upside remains limited, as he's recorded just 123 yards from scrimmage on 28 touches across seven games so far this season. However, the Bengals get a favorable matchup in Week 8 against the New York Jets, which helps Perine's fantasy outlook. Still, expectations for what Perine's upside should remain limited. He's currently ranked as RB45 by RotoBaller in half-PPR scoring heading into Week 8.

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.