NFL Fantasy Preview, Week 2: Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins
In week one, the Dallas Cowboys decimated the New York Giants with an efficient run game and Dak Prescott's continued emergence as an elite quarterback. Dak is flirting with elite fantasy status as well. The Cowboys could be destined for a Super Bowl run this year while the Washington Redskins' outlook is a lot bleaker. Let's take a look at fantasy breakdown for this game.
Quarterbacks
In his last five regular season outings, Dak Prescott has two games of 400+ yards and three 3+ TD games. Prescott has worked his way into the conversation as a top five or six quarterback this week, with his recent performances and match-up against division rivals, Washington Redskins.
On the other side, nobody expected Case Keenum to even be worth rostering in fantasy leagues. He had a fantastic game against a stout Eagles defense last week, but it's too early to buy in. He is worth monitoring this week.
Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott was eased back into the offense last week and still managed to score a touchdown. This week, the Cowboys might just go all out with him.
Adrian Peterson will be the starting running back for the Redskins, but the Redskins are expected to be outmatched early in this game and this should render Peterson irrelevant in this match-up. Peterson is not involved in the Redskins passing game and had far too many games with 20 yards or less last year.
Chris Thompson is a startable flex option this week as the Redskins' primary pass catcher. Thompson was the team's primary pass catcher last week, leading the team with seven receptions. The Redskins should be in need of a passing attack to keep up with the Cowboys' electric offense. Thompson should be heavily involved again.
Wide Receivers
Amari Cooper is the big name you can feel good about leaving in your lineup. Second year receiver Michael Gallup had a huge game last week with 158 yards and seven catches. The word in training camp was that Gallup and Prescott had developed quite the rapport, and it showed in week one.
Gallup has the talent to be an elite receiver in the league and running opposite of Amari Cooper has allowed him to face a lot of single coverage. Look for Gallup to put up another solid game against the Redskins in week two. He's flex-worthy.
You should not feel confident starting any Redskins' WR this week. Terry McLaurin had one the best rookie debuts in Redskins' history with 125 yards and a TD but he's not an automatic start yet. The first and second options in the Redskins' passing offense go to Chris Thompson and whoever is playing tight end. Avoid these receivers until you have more clarity in a couple of weeks.
Tight Ends
Jason Witten scored a touchdown last week, but so did Blake Jarwin. You aren't starting Witten, and you are keeping your eye on Jarwin. Jarwin emerged at the end of last season as the go-to tight end for the Cowboys. He's currently the most talented pass catcher on the Cowboys at tight end. Monitor how much the grizzled veteran, Witten, cuts into his growth. Jarwin may be a sleeper top ten tight end by the end of the season if he can overtake Witten.
As of now, it is looking more and more like Jordan Reed will make the start against the Cowboys. If you don't have a top three or top five option, Reed should be in your lineup. The Redskins offense goes through the tight ends and running backs. Even if Reed plays, Vernon Davis will probably still have a role, but you don't want to start him if Reed plays.