The Cowboys skill players performed commendably in the last game. Here’s a taste of what they could accomplish against the Rams
From a fantasy football perspective, the Dallas Cowboys played great against the Los Angeles Chargers in their last game. Tony Pollard played a big role in the passing game and Dak Prescott played flawless football. Regardless, the offense still has some nuances to work out and should have some answers and fresh ideas after the bye week.
This week, the Rams next face Dallas in Los Angeles. After the bye, the Cowboys look to move up in the NFC standings, while the Rams head to Dallas having lost two of their last three games. Here are some fantasy football tips for the Dallas Cowboys this week.
QB Dak Prescott, get ’em going
The Rams’ defense allowed Kenny Pickett to complete nearly 70% (17-of-25) of his passes in Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Rams did not slow Pickett, who had a season-high 9.2 yards per attempt. After Ahkello Witherspoon’s lackluster performance at cornerback last week, he expects the Cowboys to attack the Rams’ secondary.
Dak Prescott’s fantasy floor will rise in this game if he can maintain the same level of mobility he had last week. Los Angeles has given up an average of over 50 yards per game rushing to dual-threat players like Jalen Hurts, Anthony Richardson and Joshua Dobbs. There aren’t many picks on the waiver wire this week, so start Prescott. Baker Mayfield (available in 32% of Yahoo links) and Russell Wilson (available in 51% of Yahoo links) vs. Buffalo and Kansas City
Tony Pollard, running back, go get them. Pollard is a valuable receiver with plenty of big-play potential. Pollard’s 60-yard catch and run last week against the Chargers was a reminder of his remaining explosiveness. As Pollard is
field goals per game and six 80-yard field goals last week. The Rams give up yards to the running back, and they give up yards to the run as well. In games against the Steelers, Colts, Eagles and Cardinals, the Rams have 84 yards per game. When it comes to the red zone, Pollard ranks second in the NFL in red zone touchdowns against running backs. Start Pollard this week with confidence. WR CeeDee Lamb, run them.
Ask and you shall receive. CeeDee Lamb’s grumbling about not contributing to the Cowboys’ offense was met with satisfaction. Lamb took advantage of his chances and scored all seven goals. Cowboys have it easy. Good things happen when the ball is thrown CeeDee Lamb’s way. Lamb is shooting 81 percent this year, a career high.
According to Playerprofiler.com, Lamb has the third best field goal percentage in the NFL at 88.1%. Lamba also has the fourth best route winning percentage. In the Rams’ second series, Lamb should be able to pick up where George Pickens left off. Against Witherspoon, timing routes and stop routes seemed successful. Lamb and Prescott should have a successful game if they can mesh well. Also, if Michael Gallup is still on your team, I recommend sitting Brandin Cooks this week.
Despite the open and high participation rate, Jake Ferguson does not receive a significant amount of goals. Head coach Mike McCarthy’s new-look offense avoided centering the field and also took away opportunities from Jake Ferguson and the Cowboys’ tight ends. Ferguson played favorably against the Chargers and McCarthy inexplicably didn’t play him.
When all the data seems to call for giving Ferguson targets, the Cowboys decide to go in the opposite direction. In this week’s game, Ferguson will have a harder time finding productivity against the Rams. Los Angeles is allowing fewer than three receptions and 40 yards per game to tight ends and has yet to allow a touchdown this season, according to Lineups.com. Save yourself the disappointment and sit in Ferguson this week.
Matt Stafford and the Rams offense are flawed with six interceptions to seven passing touchdowns, but their offensive weapons can still score. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp have explosive potential, making it very difficult to fully trust the Dallas defense in a high-scoring game. Los Angeles is ninth in red zone scoring efficiency and sixth in yards per game. You should expect KaVontae Turpin to have little chance on the Rams when it comes to the Cowboys’ special teams units. Los Angeles only has 65 kicks, so return power is minimal. There are plenty of options to take advantage of defensive tackles in Week 8. The Chicago Bears, who play the Chargers, will likely be without Justin Fields again. The Tennessee Titans also play the Atlanta Falcons, whose offense is unpredictable, if not an enigma. In most leagues, all of these defenses are readily available.
