Dallas opens its preseason schedule against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium with a sharpened focus on the run game. Mafah, the Cowboys’ rookie power back, carries a heavy workload as Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue, and Deuce Vaughn nurse injuries, and Javonte Williams sits the game out. The buzz in practice has turned into a tangible opportunity, and the coaching staff has signaled Mafah could be a foundational piece if he can translate carries, vision and physicality to game action. The mission is simple: uphold the standard in the backfield and prove he belongs in the hotly contested depth chart as the season nears.

Dallas sees Mafah as a potential three-down contributor, with Luepke and possibly Malik Davis mixing in. Coach Brian Schottenheimer even hinted that Blue and Mafah showed starter-forward potential in the draft, so Saturday becomes Mafah’s stage to show that the trust is warranted. For fantasy minds, Mafah’s ability to survive contact, pick up blitzes, and contribute in the passing game will dictate early-season snaps and a possible breakout role if injuries linger. Mafah’s mindset remains relentless: protect the standard, earn the carries, and seize his moment against the Rams.