Dallas Cowboys’ Offseason Moves & Fantasy Football Impact

2024 NFL Fantasy Football: Evaluating the Dallas Cowboys Offseason Moves

The Cowboys have always been a team surrounded by high expectations, both on the field and in the realm of fantasy football. Heading into the 2024 season, their offseason moves—or lack thereof—have sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. With the NFL season just around the corner, let’s break down the impact of the Cowboys’ decisions on fantasy football, focusing on their running back situation and the potential betting implications.

The Ezekiel Elliott Dilemma: Is He Still Fantasy Relevant?

Elliott, once a fantasy football stalwart, has seen his production decline over the past few seasons. While he’s a potential Hall of Famer, Elliott’s days as an RB1 in fantasy seem far behind him. In 2023, his short-yardage efficiency remained solid, but questions linger about whether he can sustain even that level of performance in 2024. The Cowboys’ decision to re-sign Elliott after releasing him earlier in the year is a puzzling one, especially given the lack of significant additions in the backfield.

Buy or Sell: Ezekiel Elliott Scores 8+ Touchdowns This Season?

Verdict: Sell. While Elliott may still find himself in goal-line situations, expecting him to score eight or more touchdowns is a stretch. The Cowboys’ offense is likely to spread the wealth, and Elliott’s declining explosiveness could limit his opportunities. With other weapons in the offense and potential competition for those crucial touches, it’s safer to sell on Zeke reaching that touchdown mark.

Rico Dowdle: The Sleeper Pick That May Disappoint

Dowdle was expected to be a key backup to Elliott, potentially filling the role Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans) played in previous seasons. However, the Cowboys’ recent signing of Dalvin Cook has thrown a wrench into Dowdle’s fantasy value. While Dowdle showed flashes of potential in limited action, the addition of Cook, who has proven to be a reliable contributor in various situations, significantly dampens Dowdle’s outlook.

Buy or Sell: Rico Dowdle Scores 8+ Touchdowns This Season?

Verdict: Sell. With the presence of both Elliott and Cook, Dowdle’s path to significant playing time, let alone scoring opportunities, looks bleak. Betting on Dowdle to score eight or more touchdowns seems overly optimistic, especially when considering the depth of the Cowboys’ backfield and the potential for Cook to take over in key situations.

The Dalvin Cook Factor: A Late Addition That Changes Everything

The Cowboys’ late signing of DCook could be the most impactful move of their offseason, albeit a delayed one. Cook has consistently been a fantasy football asset, particularly in PPR leagues, and his ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver makes him a valuable addition to any offense. While it’s still uncertain how the Cowboys will utilize Cook alongside Elliott, it’s clear that Cook’s presence adds a layer of complexity to the Cowboys’ backfield.

Betting Insight: Dalvin Cook’s Role with the Cowboys

Cook’s addition to the Cowboys presents an intriguing scenario for fantasy managers and bettors alike. If Cook can carve out a significant role, he could outperform both Elliott and Dowdle in terms of fantasy production. Bettors looking for value might consider placing a wager on Cook to lead the Cowboys in total touchdowns or rushing yards, depending on the odds offered. Given Cook’s track record and versatility, this could be a smart play as the season progresses.

Final Thoughts

The Cowboys’ offseason has been filled with more questions than answers, particularly in their running back room. Elliott’s best days may be behind him, and Dowdle’s fantasy prospects have taken a hit with the arrival of Cook. While it’s tempting to hold out hope for a resurgence from Elliott or a breakout from Dowdle, the smart money might be on Cook emerging as the most valuable fantasy asset in the Cowboys’ backfield. As always, staying informed and flexible will be key to navigating the Cowboys’ fantasy landscape in 2024.

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