Clemson enters 2025 with rare continuity, returning the core that carried the program to ACC dominance and playoff contention. With 16 of 20 top players back, the Tigers combine an elite offense and a stingy defense, positioning them as ACC favorites and serious national-title contenders. The biggest question: running back depth after Phil Mafah’s move to Dallas. True freshman Gideon Davidson, a top-4 RB recruit in 2025, is projected to start, adding a new dynamic to a polished offense.

Oxnard’s training-camp finale underscored a 365-day, evaluation-forward mindset for the Cowboys, with roster depth and competition front and center as players push for roles before cut-down day. Zion Childress has surged to the nickel, challenging for a starting spot and signaling a potential undrafted path to Week 1 reps. Mafah impressed with a workmanlike, instinctive run style, while Blue’s ankle and Sanders’ knee adjustments shaped early opportunities for the rookie to rise. Linebacker depth has brightened, led by Liufau, James, Clark, Sanborn and Murray, giving Dallas a more versatile second level. In the secondary, injuries and ambiguity in the corner group have narrowed options, heightening urgency to identify Week 1 contributors. Tolbert’s non-stat contributions and the broader WR room remain under watch as coaches push players to prove they can lift the run game and blocking discipline. Jerry Jones and Schottenheimer stress patient evaluation as the team edges toward roster decisions.

Key risers and fallers: Childress climbed from the bottom to most nickel reps, with Hall pushing for time and Bland waiting for outside duties. Mafah’s stock rose as he ran with urgency in Oxnard, while Blue’s ankle and Sanders’ knee opened doors for Mafah to show more in practice and preseason. Linebackers Liufau, James, Clark, Sanborn and Murray rebuilt depth with physical play and schemes. The cornerback room faced more hurdles: Carson’s knee, Revel Jr.’s gradual return, and Diggs/Butler health keep four corners in flux. Mazi Smith has spoken honestly about progress; Toia flashed potential on the interior. Tolbert’s blocking and versatility keep him in the conversation as a secondary option behind Turpin and Pickens-era chatter.

Phil Mafah logged his first real NFL action in the Cowboys' 31-21 preseason loss to the Rams at SoFi, carrying 10 times for 36 yards as Deuce Vaughn opened the night. Mafah shook off a jittery start and flashed a bruising, compact running style with solid vision between tackles.

The Cowboys used Mafah on a pitch-count, signaling a cautious ramp in August. Mafah's late burst hints at a potential bigger role as preseason unfolds, especially if Vaughn remains in a time-share and the team needs depth behind the likely starter. Mafah's emotional pregame moment underscored his journey from youth ball to the NFL, a narrative that fuels intrigue in deeper fantasy formats.

With Vaughn in the mix and a measured early workload, Mafah could become a late-round roster sleeper if Dallas eases into a committee backfield. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should monitor his progression in subsequent exhibitions and the final cut decisions that will shape the Cowboys’ all-important depth chart.

Dallas’ preseason opener vs. the Rams highlighted the Cowboys’ three focal questions: Mafah’s pro-ready physicality, the run game's ceiling behind a crowded backfield, and the pass game’s consistency with Joe Milton at the helm. Mafah delivered a tepid 10 carries for 36 yards, while Malik Davis flashed late with multiple carries. Milton completed 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards with 22 rushing yards, but accuracy and timing were uneven. Rivaldo Fairweather flashed in limited work, grabbing a late TD on Milton’s toss, signaling upside at tight end. The Rams controlled much of the first half with freedom for their receivers and stifled Dallas’ defense on the ground, totaling 181 rushing yards. Dallas finally found the end zone late, but the narrative was clear: there will be better days ahead for Mafah, Milton, and the backfield shakeup, aided by Schottenheimer’s evolving system.

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.