Analysis

Mattison is swapping teams with Raheem Mostert, whose deal with the Raiders was reported about two hours earlier. While Mostert perhaps has a chance to rebound from a disappointing 2024 and earn a key role, Mattison will merely be competing for a backup job behind De'Von Achane. The Dolphins presumably hope 2024 fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright secures the second spot on the depth chart, with Mattison essentially being a backup plan for the backup. It's a tough situation for earning playing time, albeit with the outside chance of a handsome payoff if injuries eventually thrust him into a starting role in Mike McDaniel's offense.

Analysis

Mattison served as the clear lead back for Las Vegas with Ameer Abdullah (foot) sidelined, though he had only one rushing attempt after halftime despite the Raiders being down one score until late in the contest. The story of this game also encapsulated Mattison's campaign, as he averaged a miserable 3.2 yards per carry in one of the least explosive offenses in the league. He'll hit free agency this offseason and will likely sign a short-term deal with the hopes of serving as a change-of-pace back.

Analysis

Mattison, who carried 10 times for 32 yards and caught one of three targets for six yards in last weekend's win over the Saints (a game in which Abdullah logged 20 carries for 115 yards to go along with three catches), is thus in line for an expanded role Sunday, with Chris Collier and Dylan Laube, to a lesser degree, available to mix in. With that in mind, Mattison offers fantasy managers who are dealing with injuries or resting starters with a Week 18 pivot option.

Analysis

Among his 13 appearances this season, Mattison has surpassed 4.0 YPC just one time (5-60-0 back in Week 4 against the Browns), and overall he's averaged 3.2 yards on his 126 rushes to date. He at least has supplemented poor performance on the ground with 32 catches (on 43 targets) for 283 yards while also scoring five total TDs. With Abdullah likely sidelined this weekend, Mattison should take on an expanded role, but he also may yield RB reps to Chris Collier and maybe even Dylan Laube.

Analysis

Mattison somewhat surprisingly ceded the start at running back to 31-year-old Ameer Abdullah, who proved to be far more effective with 20 carries for 115 yards to go along with three receptions for 32 yards. Abdullah likely earned himself first dibs at a larger share of the backfield workload again in Week 18 versus the Chargers, as Mattison's efficiency concerns remain.

Analysis

Mattison led the Las Vegas backfield in the absence of Sincere McCormick (ankle), totaling 16 touches as compared to 12 for Ameer Abdullah. While he has been involved as a pass catcher throughout the season, it was particularly positive to see his involvement as a receiver remain intact despite the recent emergence of Abdullah. On the other hand, Mattison was ineffective on the ground, with the exception being a one-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. This backfield is very likely to remain split for the rest of the season, but Mattison should see plenty of touches in Week 17 against the Saints.

Analysis

Mattison returned from an ankle injury of his own Monday before being thrust into a prominent role once Las Vegas' starting running back was ruled out at halftime. The former didn't do much on his nine touches, losing a fumble and getting tackled for a safety. Fellow backup Ameer Abdullah produced 66 yards and a score on 10 combined touches (primarily as a receiving option) for comparison. If McCormick is forced to miss time, Mattison figures to be the next man up given his experience and success as a starter in the past, with Abdullah likely being mixed in against the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis

Mattison's full participation in practice to kick off Week 15 prep clears the way for him to put an end to his three-game absence Monday against the Falcons, but he'll likely find himself in a smaller role than he enjoyed prior to missing time with the ankle injury. Per Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site, head coach Antonio Pierce announced Wednesday that Sincere McCormick will remain the team's starting running back moving forward, which likely means Mattison will see a reduction in the 9.7 carries per game he had averaged for the season before suffering the injury. McCormick hasn't shown much prowess as a receiver, however, so Mattison could be called upon to replace him on passing downs after averaging a healthy 9.8 yards per reception prior to his recent absence.

Analysis

Mattison appears on track to put an end to his three-game absence this week, but Pierce implied that Sincere McCormick has performed well enough over the past few contests to remain the team's lead back. Mattison had averaged 12.2 touches per game over his 10 appearances prior to missing time with the injury, but he struggled to take advantage of his opportunities, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and 8.4 yards per target while scoring four touchdowns. Though McCormick should continue to pace the Las Vegas backfield in carries, Mattison should be the top change-of-pace option while Ameer Abdullah slides down to third on the depth chart.