Alexander Mattison

Mattison joined the Raiders on a one-year contract this offseason after struggling mightily as the Vikings starter in their first season post-Dalvin Cook. He opened 2024 as Zamir White's backup but quickly worked his way into a committee and eventually took over as the starter. Mattison topped 15 touches five times and hit 60 yards from scrimmage on six occasions. On the other hand, he went over 70 total yards just once. Like White before him, Mattison was out-played by his backup down the stretch and lost work to Ameer Abdullah in the final month of the season. Abdullah had fully supplanted him as the top option before a foot injury ended his season a week early. An impending free agent, Mattison's days as a starting running back are at an end. He will look for a backup job on the open market in the spring.

Abdullah has quietly proven to be the Raiders' most explosive back down the stretch, but a foot injury suffered late in Week 17's win over the Saints appears to be the end of his season. Alexander Mattison should see the bulk of the backfield touches for Las Vegas. Rookie Dylan Laube could also see some work, though the team has largely opted to play anyone with a pulse over the Day Three pick so far.

Raiders RB Ameer Abdullah (foot) is listed as doubtful for Sunday s game vs. the Chargers. His absence will leave Alexander Mattison as Vegas lead back, with Dylan Laube and Chris Collier behind him. Mattison is a viable volume-based Week 18 fantasy play.

Abdullah has now missed the last two practices, which is disappointing/concerning after his breakout game against the Saints in Week 17. There's still a good chance that Abdullah can play against the Chargers in Week 18 if he's able to practice Friday, but for now he should be considered questionable at best. Alexander Mattison would likely get the bulk of carries if Abdullah cannot play.

Raiders RB Ameer Abdullah (foot) did not practice on Wednesday. He's coming off a big Week 17 but exited late in that game with the foot injury. Abdullah's absence in Sunday's finale vs. the Chargers would leave Alexander Mattison as Vegas' lead back.