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

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.

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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.

Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle “has to be the favorite to lead the team in rushing”, per @jonmachota of The Athletic.

The current Cowboys depth chart is:

RB1 - Zeke
RB2 - Dowdle
RB3 - Royce Freeman
RB4 - Deuce Vaughn pic.twitter.com/doDVXlfjsu

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 8, 2024

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.

FEED ZEKE! The @Patriots take an early lead in Pittsburgh. #NEvsPIT on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/0GJemAElFj pic.twitter.com/az6pNxbQd5

— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2023

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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