Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison ($9,300 Showdown) is a question mark to play against the division-leading Kansas City Chiefs during their Black Friday clash, after missing the team’s 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday with an ankle injury. He has been a limited participant in practice so far this week.
Journeyman Ameer Abdullah ($8,700) stepped up in Mattison’s absence last week, racking up 28 rushing yards on eight carries and hauling in an additional five passes for 37 yards and a score. Although his role would likely be somewhat limited on Friday if Mattison returns, he still warrants a look for DFS players seeking a budget option at running back.
Although head coach Antonio Pierce has dialed up the most pass-heavy offense in the league so far this season, fans might expect to see a few more runs on Friday, which should give Abdullah more DFS value than he otherwise might have had. Backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell will start in relief of the injured Gardner Minshew III, who suffered a season-ending broken collarbone in the loss to the Broncos.
Although O’Connell is as much of a gunslinger as Minshew, he is returning from a stint on the injured reserve with a broken thumb on his throwing hand. He was a full participant in the Raiders’ walkthrough on Tuesday, but if he is not 100%, it would not be surprising to see Pierce ease his signal-caller back into it by calling more runs than usual.
O’Connell did frequently hand the ball off in Las Vegas’ Week 16 victory over Kansas City in 2023, so perhaps Friday will present more of the same. Daytime temperatures in Kansas City are supposed to be in the high 30’s, and the cold could impact O’Connell’s grip on the football, especially if his thumb is not fully recovered.
Plus, while the Chiefs have an elite run defense, Abdullah has integrated himself into the passing game, as well. While Mattison has garnered just 29 targets compared to 97 carries, Abdullah has had 26 targets and 25 carries. Even if O’Connell is slinging the ball, Abdullah could still have some value, as he has pulled in at least three receptions in five of his last six games.
Starting a backup running back for the least prolific rushing offense in the league facing one of its best rushing defenses is always a risk, but Abdullah’s versatility may make him worth a shot, especially if Mattison is once again sidelined.
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