2017 Fantasy Football: Dallas Cowboys outlook
The fantasy assets on the Dallas Cowboys won Championships in 2016. Can they repeat their success? Who will score the points in 2017?
Dak Prescott
He came out of nowhere to take over from Tony Romo, and Prescott had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory as he led the team to a 13-3 record. He would have been undrafted in most fantasy leagues to start the year, but ultimately finished as a top ten player at the position.
What was perhaps most impressive about Prescott’s rookie campaign was his interception total (only four all year), and despite his low volume of passing he was able to add six touchdowns on the ground (which led all quarterbacks) to boost his fantasy success. While he might not repeat the same efficiency, his volume should improve and the offense as a whole will score points. Keep buying.
Ezekiel Elliott
Elliott had a truly historic first year, as he beat the rest of the league in rushing yards by over 300, racking up 1,631 in just 15 games and adding 15 touchdowns on the ground. He was drafted to be the workhorse behind a dominant offensive line, and he proved to be exactly that. Don’t hesitate to ride him as your top back in 2017, and he could go as high as first overall in any given draft.
Dez Bryant
After three straight seasons of 85-plus catches, 1,200-plus yards and 12-plus touchdowns, Bryant has only managed an 81-1197-11 line in the last two combined. He’s 28 years old, but is he in decline? He’s missed ten games in those two most recent seasons with injuries, so we should wait for full health before giving up on him. Physically, he’s still one of the most hard-to-defend receivers in the league, and if Prescott’s pass volume does increase, Bryant will be the one to benefit. If you can get his elite talent at a non-elite price, make it happen.
Cole Beasley
Beasley posted career highs in targets (98), catches (75) and yards (833) in 2016, as he developed into his rookie quarterback’s safety valve. He was extremely consistent, but didn’t top 75 yards in a single game all year and had only one 18-plus PPR point performance. We can expect fairly similar numbers, but don’t draft him looking for a progression. He’s a high-floor, low-ceiling WR3 or WR4, and that’s okay.
Next: NFL March Madness: Who's the greatest QB?
Jason Witten
Witten posted his lowest yardage total since 2003 (his rookie campaign), and while he’s still one of the most savvy tight ends in the league, he’s past the point of offering significant fantasy value. I’d only scoop him up in a very deep league if I’ve taken risks at the position with young, unproven picks earlier. Otherwise, stay away.
The Best of the Rest
Both Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden are capable of having great games if Elliott misses any time, but while the sophomore is playing neither are worth rostering. Terrance Williams could be rostered, but it’s hard to see him demanding enough targets to help your fantasy teams. Rookie Noah Brown is described as an explosive athletic talent with incredible potential, but potential is all it is at this point. Wait and see. Rico Gathers has claimed he’s the “heir apparent” to Witten and we should keep an eye out, but don’t draft him.