Is It Time for Rico Dowdle to Take Over the Cowboys’ backfield?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The Dallas Cowboys are at a crucial crossroads, with head coach Mike McCarthy’s job potentially on the line, and their offense needing a spark. For years, Ezekiel Elliott was the face of the Cowboys’ rushing attack, but age and wear have taken their toll. The question now is: Is it time for Rico Dowdle to take over as the lead running back?
In this article, we’ll explore why Dowdle could be the Cowboys’ answer, analyze Elliott’s decline, and provide key betting insights to help you navigate the Cowboys’ matchups.
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The Decline of Ezekiel Elliott: Time for a Change?
Ezekiel Elliott has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense for years, but the NFL has shown time and again that running backs often have a short shelf life. Elliott’s production has declined, and he no longer appears to have the explosiveness that made him one of the league’s top backs. His inability to generate big plays and his struggles to stay healthy could open the door for someone else to take over.
While Elliott still has the respect of the coaching staff and fans alike, the reality is that the Cowboys need to think about their future. Relying on a fading star could hold them back, especially in an ultra-competitive NFC.
Betting Insight: Ezekiel Elliott Rushing Yards Under
Given Elliott’s declining production and potential for fewer touches as the season progresses, betting the under on his rushing yards prop is a smart play. His role in the offense could continue to shrink, making it difficult for him to hit his projected totals. As the Cowboys’ running game evolves, don’t be surprised if his opportunities decrease in key matchups.
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The Emergence of Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle has been making the most of his opportunities, especially in the passing game. He’s shown more explosiveness than Elliott, and his ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver makes him a more versatile option for the Cowboys. If the Cowboys want to win now—and McCarthy’s job may depend on it—they need to start putting the ball in Dowdle’s hands more often.
While Dowdle hasn’t completely taken over the backfield, he’s trending in that direction. As the season progresses and Elliott continues to show signs of wear and tear, Dowdle could be primed for a larger workload.
Betting Insight: Rico Dowdle Anytime Touchdown Scorer
Dowdle’s involvement in both the run and pass game makes him an intriguing option in the anytime touchdown scorer market. As he starts to see more touches, especially in red-zone situations, betting on Dowdle to find the end zone could offer good value. Keep an eye on his usage in upcoming games, as his role is likely to increase.
Mike McCarthy’s Job on the Line: Urgency in Dallas
Mike McCarthy’s seat is getting warmer with each passing week. After an embarrassing loss to the New Orleans Saints and a disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Green Bay Packers last season, McCarthy needs to turn things around quickly. For the Cowboys to have success, they need to make bold decisions, including moving away from a declining Ezekiel Elliott.
McCarthy cannot afford to be sentimental with Elliott’s history in the organization. The focus should be on winning football games, and that may mean giving Dowdle more opportunities to shine. The Cowboys are facing a tough matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, a team that is hungry for wins, making it the perfect time for McCarthy to shake things up.
Betting Insight: Dallas Cowboys Team Total Under
Given the uncertainty around the Cowboys’ offensive production and their matchup against a strong Ravens defense, betting on the team total under for Dallas could be a wise move. If McCarthy continues to rely on Elliott, the offense may struggle to score. However, if Dowdle begins to take on a larger role, it could add some unpredictability to their attack, but bettors should be cautious with expectations.
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What to Expect Moving Forward
As the Cowboys move deeper into the season, expect Rico Dowdle to start seeing more touches. Whether due to Elliott’s declining performance or potential injury, Dowdle is poised to take on a bigger role in the offense. Fantasy managers should be quick to grab Dowdle if he’s available, as his value will only increase as his workload grows.
For bettors, Dowdle’s potential breakout presents several opportunities. Whether you’re targeting his touchdown scorer prop, looking at player prop markets, or fading Elliott, there’s value to be found in the Cowboys’ backfield situation.
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Betting Insight: Rico Dowdle Rushing Yards Over
If Dowdle starts to see more carries, betting the over on his rushing yards prop could be a strong play. His explosive running style and ability to break big plays give him a higher ceiling than Elliott, making him a more enticing option for player prop bets moving forward.
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Conclusion: Dowdle’s Time is Coming
The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that Rico Dowdle is the more dynamic option in their backfield. With Mike McCarthy’s job on the line and the team needing to generate more explosive plays, the Cowboys can no longer afford to stick with a declining Ezekiel Elliott. Dowdle’s role is set to grow, and savvy fantasy players and bettors should take advantage of this shift.
If you’re looking for smart betting angles, consider fading Elliott in player prop markets and targeting Dowdle in touchdown and rushing yard props. As the Cowboys’ offense evolves, Dowdle is poised to become a key player in both real life and the betting world.
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