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Is Rico Dowdle Or Ezekiel Elliott The Fantasy Football RB1 For The Cowboys?

Rico Dowdle - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Who will be the RB1 for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024? Mike Fanelli takes a look at the credentials of each candidate to see who is likely the lead running back.

The Dallas Cowboys underwent massive changes this offseason, especially at the running back position. Tony Pollard had over 1,000 rushing yards for the second consecutive year in 2023. However, the Cowboys let him hit free agency after using the franchise tag the previous offseason.

While many expected Pollard to stay in Dallas, the veteran signed a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans to replace Derrick Henry as the starter. Meanwhile, the Cowboys re-signed Rico Dowdle and brought back Ezekiel Elliott after a year with the New England Patriots.

Many thought the team would spend a premium pick in the NFL Draft on a running back. However, Dallas didn’t use any draft capital on their backfield. So, should fantasy players draft Dowdle or Elliott in their fantasy football leagues? Let’s dive into it.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Rico Dowdle 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Dowdle was the RB50 last year, averaging 5.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game as the No. 2 running back behind Pollard. He had 89 rushing attempts for 361 yards and two touchdowns. While Dowdle had limited opportunities last season, the former South Carolina star is reportedly the favorite to lead the Cowboys in rushing despite being the No. 2 running back on the depth chart.

 

Ezekiel Elliott 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Elliott spent last year with the Patriots after spending the first seven years of his career with the Cowboys. Unfortunately, the former superstar is a shell of his former self, averaging only 3.5 yards per rushing attempt in 2023. Elliott was the RB32, averaging 8.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game last season. While he struggled on the ground, the veteran running back was a solid contributor in the passing game.

 

Who Should I Draft?

The Cowboys backfield is far from an appealing fantasy football situation. Ideally, fantasy players avoid drafting either running back in 2024. However, Dowdle is higher in my rankings because he is the younger running back and offers more upside. Yet, fantasy players shouldn’t be surprised if Dallas trades for a running back like Javonte Williams or Miles Sanders before Week 1.



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