Who Should I Start? Zavier Scott or Phil Mafah

Monday, September 29, 10:52 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott saw heavy usage in the pass game in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording six catches for 43 yards and a touchdown on eight targets. With veteran running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) on Injured Reserve through at least Week 7 due to a hamstring injury, Scott appears to be Minnesota's passing-down back next to early-down workhorse Jordan Mason. In the two games since Jones Sr. got injured, Scott has recorded 10 carries for 31 yards and seven catches for 63 yards and a score. The 26-year-old's usage will probably be game-script dependent, as he benefited from Minnesota playing from behind for most of Week 4. Scott is worth adding in deep fantasy leagues of 14 or more teams.

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.