Who Should I Start? Ty Chandler or Phil Mafah

Saturday, August 16, 6:58 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler rushed three times for 12 yards and dropped his only target on Saturday against the New England Patriots. It was yet another uninspiring performance for the UNC product, who doesn't appear to be a lock to make Minnesota's 53-man roster. Chandler's best case at this point may be as a returner, especially after the Vikings lost receiver Rondale Moore (knee) for the season, but Zavier Scott is also lurking as a viable RB3 candidate who has put together a good camp and back-to-back strong showings in the preseason. This will be a battle to watch in the coming weeks.

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.