Week 10 at Atlanta Falcons
Darren McFadden has not been active this season, but that will change this week with Ezekiel Elliott out (suspension). McFadden will have fresh legs and should see some touches behind new starter Alfred Morris. We know McFadden has a decent NFL pedigree so he will be able to contribute.
He has a great matchup this week against the Falcons, who are ranked 24th in aFPA to running backs. It is really a wait-and see situation with the Cowboys' running back usage. For Week 10, keep McFadden on the bench, but he wouldn't be a bad waiver wire pickup if he is available in your league.
Fantasy Upside
Darren McFadden was depth for most fantasy owners heading into 2017, but with the suspension of Ezekiel Elliot, McFadden will be a viable option for six weeks. McFadden does have a track record and has had success in the NFL. With the Cowboys' strong offensive line, McFadden should put up RB1 numbers for the short term.
Fantasy Upside
We already mentioned McFadden is a six-week project. But another issue is he might end splitting those carries with Alfred Morris. After the six weeks, McFadden won't have much value except in deep leagues.
2017 Bottom Line
You aren't going to select McFadden early in your draft for just six weeks of production, but if you can get him around the eighth round, that would carry some value. The real coup would be to somehow get both McFadden and Elliot. McFadden will be an RB1 temporarily so the pick will pay dividends.
Week 17 at Philadelphia
Darren McFadden should get the most carries for the day, even though Ezekiel Elliot will probably start. The Cowboys will take it easy on Sunday as they try to keep people healthy.
Expect 15 touches for McFadden, which is enough to consider him for your starting lineup as a RB3 or flex for Week 17
Fantasy Upside
Darren McFadden was sort of reborn after coming over from the Raiders to Dallas last season. He started 10 games and averaged 4.7 yard per carry, his highest average since 2011. He surpassed the 1,000 yard mark for the second time in his career and he caught 40 passes as well. So why no buzz after putting up decent numbers last year...?
Fantasy Downside
Because McFadden is not very likely to see the football more than four or five times a game. Dallas went out and drafted Ezekiel Elliot to be their franchise running back, which leaves McFadden as a back without playing time.
2016 Bottom Line
McFadden is still the Cowboys No. 2 running back and there is still an outside chance Elliot is not what he appears. If that case, McFadden could get another chance, but that's a big if. For now, McFadden has been going around the 16th round area (The third string back Alfred Morris is going ahead of him in drafts). He is a bit risky, but still could find a way to get on the field and get some touches.
Week 17 vs. Washington
Darren McFadden carried the ball 19 times for 99 yards last week and expect that to be the case this week as well. The Cowboys will rely on the running game with Kellen Moore at quarterback so frequency will not be an issue for McFadden.
The Redskins are 20th in aFPA to running backs and McFadden did score a touchdown the last time these two teams met. He rushed 14 times for 54 yards.. The frequency should carry him to a big game in Week 17. Start McFadden in all leagues and formats.
Week 16 at Buffalo
Expect a heavy dose of Darren McFadden on Sunday. He has been running very well with his second straight 100-plus rushing yard game and the Cowboys want to take as much pressure off of QB Kellen Moore as possible. We could see McFadden up around the 20 carry mark considering Buffalo is ranked 26th in aFPA. Although we still worry about the whole Dallas offense, McFadden is definitely a good start as a solid RB1 for Week 16.
Week 15 vs New York Jets
Darren McFadden only ran the ball nine times last week, but it was for a total of 111 yards. It was about the only bright spot in the Dallas offense and McFadden should remain the most important player on the offense with QB Tony Romo out.
The Cowboys face the Jets who should be a tough matchup for McFadden. New York is eigth in aFPA to running backs and they will be very aware of the QB situation which means stop the run and make Matt Cassel beat you. Because we expect McFadden to get plenty of frequency, he still should be in your lineup, but only as a low-end RB2 for Week 15.
Week 13 vs Washington
Not a great game on the ground for Darren McFadden's last week against Carolina. He carried the ball only 10 times for 11 yards but did have some receiving stats (four catches for 45 yards) which saved the day from being a fantasy disaster for his owners.
With Tony Romo out, you would expect McFadden to become the focal point of the Dallas offense, and he did have some success with Matt Cassel as the starting quarterback. He will face a Washington defense that is ranked 17th in aFPA to running backs.
Expect a solid day from McFadden and plenty of frequency with the ball. Start him in all leagues and formats as a solid RB1 for Week 13.
Week 12 vs Carolina
There is no doubt the return of QB Tony Romo is going to help all the Cowboys skill players, including Darren McFadden. The running back ran for 129 yards on 29 carries which should make all his owners smile. The 32 touches is exactly what you want from McFadden. He is listed as probable on the injury report, but will play.
McFadden plays against a Carolina who is 12th in aFPA to running backs. The Panthers have given up some big games to backs this season, so McFadden is in line for a decent game if not one of the better performances in Week 12. Start McFadden in all leagues and formats as one of the top fantasy running backs this week.
Week 11 at Miami
Darren McFadden struggled on the road against Tampa with a total of 58 yards from scrimmage. It was the first time in three games that he didn't have at least 20-plus rushes, which is puzzling considering QB Matt Cassel struggled.
The good news for the Cowboys (and McFadden) is Tony Romo will probably be under center against Miami on Sunday. Also, the Dolphins have been horrible against the run this season ranked 31st in aFPA to running backs. McFadden is a solid RB1 who should play at least 80 percent of the snaps and get 25 touches. Expect a big day for him and start McFadden in all leagues and formats.
