RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Start in 14+ Team Leagues
POSITIONAL VALUE: RB3/FLEX
ANALYSIS: Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has seen his role reduced over the last few weeks as the team gives more opportunities to Rico Dowdle. This has created plenty of frustration and distrust among fantasy managers who were hoping the Cowboys' veteran could give them weekly production at the RB2 or RB3 slot.
Instead, Elliott has gone from 49 yards and one touchdown in Week 1 to 44 yards and zero scores over the last two weeks combined. His snap count has also gone down every week; he played just 19 percent of offensive snaps in Week 3.
However, Elliott's reduced role (particularly last week) could be attributed to the game script. Dallas found itself playing from behind against the Baltimore Ravens, which meant they needed to pass the football more often, which is where Dowdle thrives. A more favorable game script against the New York Giants on Thursday Night Football in Week 4 could be Elliott's recipe for success.
Ezekiel Elliott has rushed for 42+ yards all 13 times he's faced the Giants in his career.
However, he's seen his snaps reduced each week of the season, and played just 19% of the snaps last week.
His rushing yards sits 26.5 on @DKSportsbook
Which 'Zeke do we see on TNF? pic.twitter.com/wwnZ4wXk5X
— Julian Edlow (@julianedlow) September 26, 2024
Now 29, Elliott has shown that he's still capable of producing both on the ground and through the air. His fantasy value is starting to become dependent on touchdowns, but there's a decent chance he finds the end zone this week with the Cowboys favored to defeat the Giants.
He could also fare a little better against the Giants given that New York's defense has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards to opposing running backs and the eighth-most receiving yards to opposing running backs this year.
Elliott has a low floor, but he's still worth deploying as an RB3/FLEX in leagues with 14-plus teams.
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