RADIO
There is no way around the belief that the Dallas Cowboys have gotten even worse than they were during their 8-8 2013 campaign. They are a very dynamic offense with game breaking players which in fantasy world is what is really important. The defense however is looking miserably bad, highlighted by the losses of Ware and Lee. But we're here to talk about fantasy football, and the Cowboys offensive line will help their dynamic offensive players looking pretty juicy and safe during your draft.
Dallas Cowboys Offseason Changes
Offseason Acquisitions – QB Brandon Weeden
No Longer on the Roster – WR Miles Austin
Coaching Changes – New Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner
Dallas Cowboys Quarterbacks
Tony Romo is as underrated a fantasy QB as their is in the game. Coming off of a season where he passed for over 3,800 yards, 31 TDs, and only 10 INTs Romo will look to improve upon his 64% completion rate. I would expect the same number of TDs this season with a slight increase in passing yards and interceptions. Romo is backed up by Brandon Weeden, formerly of the Cleveland Browns. Brandon Weeden may be the most undraftable backup in the NFL. He has yet to achieve a season where he has more TDs than INTs and he owns a completion rate in the low 50s. He really shouldn't be in the NFL, so stay away.
Dallas Cowboys Running Backs
DeMarco Murray owns the starting running back position and rightly so as long as he stays healthy. In 2013 Murray was great for PPR league owners during the 14 games he played. He racked up 1141 rushing yards and 9 TDs while catching 53 passes for 350 yards and one TD. Over those 14 games he also had three fumbles which is about average. If he can put together a 16 game season he should easily return first round value. Look for similar numbers this season to 2013.
Backup and handcuff Murray with Lance Dunbar. Dunbar averaged 5.0 yards per carry last season which could provide as a nice change of pace to Murray when he needs a breather. The big change to the Cowboys offense going into the upcoming season is the addition of Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan who loves to use the running backs in the passing game, so both Murray and Dunbar should be even more valuable in PPR leagues.
Dallas Cowboys Wide Receivers
The Cowboys wide receiver corps consists of superstar Dez Bryant, potential breakout candidate Terrence Williams, and rookie Devin Street who has a shot to be the third receiver this season. Plainly said, Dez Bryant is a beast. Each of the past two seasons Bryant has surpassed 1200 receiving yards and 12 TDs. He also has five fumbles which is cause for some concern. In 14 team leagues he is a borderline first round pick and I expect him to perform as such. Look for similar numbers from Bryant in 2014.
Terrence Williams looks like he can be a steady number two for the Cowboys, keep defenses honest and help Dez get open more frequently. He pulled in 44 catches for 736 yards and five TDs last year which should see a boost this season as Bryant will see a lot of double teams. Cole Beasley will serve as the team's slot receiver and will probably net 50 catches this season. Devin Street should not be drafted, but he should be watched in case there's an injury to one of the top guys.
Dallas Cowboys Tight Ends and Rookies
Jason Witten is a top six tight end year in and year out and will probably be the second best pass catcher on the Cowboys in 2014. In 2013 he racked up 73 catches for 851 yards and 8 TDs. New offensive coordinator Linehan loves to pass so Witten should kill it again this year. The Cowboys do not have any draft worthy rookies going into the season with their top rookie being Zack Martin who is a lineman. Monitor the targets Devin Street is getting.
Dallas Cowboys Defense
The only notable thing about the Cowboys defense is how bad they could conceivably be in 2014. Their sole purpose in fantasy football this season will be that you will start players against them without much thought needed.
Dallas Cowboys in Summary
The Cowboys will likely be in the 8-8 range again which will likely end Garrett's head coaching career even though team GM, president, owner, and whatever else title he holds Jerry Jones is the biggest problem with the case of players currently assembled on this roster. Must draft players include QB Tony Romo, RB DeMarco Murray, WR Dez Bryant, and TE Jason Witten, with Terrence Williams a nice option as well. Happy Drafting!
