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Which Cowboys RB Do You Start If DeMarco Murray Sits This Week?

By Bruce Matson

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For most fantasy football leagues, this is championship week, and generating the most optimal lineup is crucial. A major concern for a lot of owners who are hoping to win a championship this week is DeMarco Murray and his broken hand. For a lot of owners, Murray was the key component that helped them get to the championship. Now there’s a good possibility that he may not play, despite the fact that the Cowboys insist he will. It’s time to make the necessary preparations just in case Murray can’t play on Sunday and you’re left without any options to fill his position in your lineup.

Dec 4, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) in their game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Joseph Randle RB DAL

Randle will get most of the work load if Murray is unable to play. Randle is very similar to Murray when it comes to running the ball. The big difference is that Murray is bigger and more physical. Randle runs with an explosive burst, and he hits the holes decisively hard. I refer to Randle as Murray’s ” mini me” because they are so similar with their running styles. Randle’s play will be a little bit of a drop off from Murray, but Randle has the ability to still be productive. He was drafted in the 5th round by Dallas during the 2013 draft. His combine metrics are very indicative to his explosive play, with a 4.59 40 yard dash and a 35 inch vertical.

Last year when Murray was absent, Randle scored an average of 10.5 fantasy points a game. I look for him to get enough workload to replicate this fantasy output. Indianapolis is ranked 16th in the league against the run, allowing 103 yards a game. Indianapolis is a great match up for Randle. He will have a lot of opportunities to break off some large runs. Randle will be the back that will get carries around the goal line, which will make him a good candidate for getting a touchdown. I advocate for all Murray owners to pick up Randle this week just in case Murray doesn’t play. He will score enough fantasy points this week that he won’t kill your lineup if you do have to play him. I predict Randle will score around 10-12 fantasy points in PPR leagues this week.

Lance Dunbar RB DAL

Lance Dunbar is the change of pace running back for the Cowboys. He is used mostly in the passing game. There’s about an 80% chance that when he’s on the field that it’s a passing play. As a runner, Dunbar has great straight line speed and he displays a great burst in the open field. Dunbar lacks vision and he has fumbling issues, which has been limiting his play this season. Due to his role in the passing game, Dunbar has been a trendy pick up in fantasy off and on during his career.

Dunbar is going to have a lot of opportunities in the passing game because this game is going to be a shootout. Both teams have bad defenses and both teams have high powered offenses, which is going to be a recipe for a lot of fantasy points. Dunbar is going to get some receptions in the passing game, which should be enough volume to make him a flex play this week. The question is how much volume is he going to get, and will it be enough for him to make an impact for your fantasy team?

Personally, I wouldn’t start Dunbar unless I had an issue at running back, or I was in a very deep league. He is a very risky play because you don’t know how much playing time he’s going to get, and you don’t want to take on that risk during the championship of your fantasy league. Dunbar will get more playing time if Murray is out, but we don’t know how much playing time he will receive. Randle is going to get more of Murray’s role, and Dunbar is going to be used more on passing downs.

If I had to pick between the two, I would have to go with Randle because he is more likely to get more work than Dunbar. Randle is better equipped to run between the tackles and is more likely to get a touchdown from getting goal line opportunities. Randle will be a good play for your fantasy team if Murray can’t go, and if you’re in a pinch Dunbar will be a decent flex option for team as well.

If you have any questions involving your fantasy team this week feel free to contact me on twitter @bmatz08 and I will help you bring home a championship.

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