Should I Drop Cowboys D/ST? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Dallas Cowboys D/ST was the number one defense in fantasy football in 2023, averaging 10.5 points per game in normal scoring formats. The Cowboys consistently blew out teams by catching 17 interceptions, gathering nine fumbles,  46 sacks, seven touchdowns, and adding three blocks and a safety.

They also allowed the fifth least points per game. The Cowboys D/ST had multiple huge boom weeks, often winning fantasy games. But things couldn't be more different in 2024. Through three games, new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has put together one of the most inept units in the NFL.

The defense is playing with little organization and cohesiveness, instead relying on individual playmakers and opposing offensive mistakes. So are the Cowboys a safe drop? How will they look for the rest of the season?

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Should I Drop Cowboys D/ST in Fantasy Football?

While it seems crazy to say, it's not a terrible idea to drop the Dallas defense. They've shown they can get manhandled by teams that can run the ball. The Cowboys' defense has no answers for the run game. They've given up a league-high 5.4 rushing yards per attempt!

Cowboys run defense the last 2 weeks has allowed:

84 attempts
464 rushing yards
7 TDs

— * (@6Blackhawks) September 23, 2024

On average, teams have been able to run the ball twice to pick up a first down against the Cowboys. A defense can't succeed like this. Opposing offenses can run incessantly, grind the clock down, minimize turnovers and consistently get within scoring range without even having to throw five passes a quarter.

.@Ravens expose fundamental flaws in the @cowboys run defense. It must get fixed quickly or else... Life and run defense can be fulixed or changed in an "INSTANT" when you do the right things #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/SARVF4N0By

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 23, 2024

Former Cowboys defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins was the Cowboys' best run defender, and the Cowboys let him walk last offseason. In games Hankins missed in 2023, the Cowboys' run defense took a significant step back. That looks to be cemented for the full 2024 season unless Zimmer figures out something big.

There are many better defense options to have. You can rest assured that if things stay the way they are the Cowboys D/ST will be a poor scorer against teams that can run the ball well.

Who Should I Pickup in Week 4 Fantasy Football?

Many defenses have performed well in 2024 that are worth consideration. The Vikings D/ST scored well despite playing against the elite Houston Texans' offense. Vikings pass rushers gave Texans QB C.J. Stroud fits all day and they were never able to get most of their drives going.

The Vikings intercepted Stroud twice, sacked him four times, allowed just 38 yards rushing, and racked up nine tackles for loss. They have yet to allow more than 20 points on the season.

The Packers are another great option. They've taken a huge step forward after signing former Giants safety Xavier McKinney. The Packers shut down the Colts and Titans offenses in Weeks 2 and 3, and though the Eagles scored 34 on them in Week 1, they intercepted QB Jalen Hurts twice, forced a fumble, and sacked him twice.

The Packers and Vikings are great D/STs to add if they're on waivers. Pick them up if you can and start them over the Cowboys D/ST.

More Fantasy Football Analysis