Week 17 at New York Giants
Rod Smith hasn't had more than six carries in any game this season as Ezekiel Elliot's backup. With the Cowboys already locked in with the No. 4 seed in the NFC, Smith should be more involved in the offense has Elliot will not receive his full workload.
Smith will face the Giants who are 31st in aFPA to running backs. Even with the great matchup, we think Smith's numbers will not be enough to warrant a fantasy start in Week 17.
Fantasy Upside
The primary backup in Dallas will be Rod Smith. He will be the one to spell Ezekiel Elliott or take over in the event of an injury. Smith had 74 touches last year. He also caught 19 passes and scored four times in a limited role.
Fantasy Downside
Elliott will be the workhorse which doesn't leave much work for the rest of the Cowboys backs. Before last season, Smith only had four touches in three seasons. Even though he has managed to stay in the league, he hasn't seen much time on the offensive side of the ball.
2018 Bottom Line
Smith will be a good collar for Elliott. But a healthy Elliott means a heavy workload for the Cowboys starter. Smith is not really being drafted but ranks as our No. 63 back heading into the season. Again, if you have Elliott, Smith might be a good last-round pick.
Week 15 at Oakland Raiders
Rod Smith had a huge week for the Cowboys last week, even though he only had 11 touches. He rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown and had 5 receptions for 113 yards and another touchdown.
The Cowboys face the Raiders this week, who are ranked 26th in aFPA to running backs. Even with a very good matchup and coming off a great game last week, Smith's success will probably not repeat and the main reason is the touches. Keep Smith on the bench for Week 15.
Week 14 at New York Giants
Ten more touches last week for Rod Smith which seems to be his average since Ezekiel Elliott has been out of the lineup. The bonus is Smith has touchdowns in back-to-back games now. Alfred Morris is still the primary back, but Smith is in the picture.
Smith will face the Giants this week, who are ranked 29th in aFPA to running backs. The matchup is good for the Cowboys, but Smith's value is really based on getting in the end zone and that is enough to keep him on the bench for Week 14.
Week 13 vs. Washington Redskins
Rod Smith played 62% of snaps last week. It produced 11 touches and a touchdown. It seems the Cowboys are favoring Smith over veteran Alfred Morris while Ezekiel Elliot is out. They are definitely using him at their third down back as well.
Smith will face the Redskins who are 14th in aFPA to running backs. He did have a touch in the first meeting against Washington. Although Smith is ranked slightly higher than Morris, they are basically splitting touches. So Smith can help you Week 13 as a flex or RB3.
Week 12 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Rod Smith carried the ball 8 times last Sunday night and is definitely a solid No. 2 RB for the Cowboys behind Alfred Morris. He played 48% of the snaps, which is why he does have some fantasy value. There are concerns about the overall Dallas offense which has struggled since the Ezekiel Elliott suspension.
Smith has a good matchup for Week 12 against the Chargers, who are ranked 30th in aFPA to running backs. But because of the low touch count the last two weeks, keep Smith on the bench until we see more from him.
Week 11 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Rod Smith actually played 65% of the snaps with Ezekiel Elliott out. However, he ended up with only 7 touches, which was behind veteran Alfred Morris. If the trend continues, Smith will have more opportunities, but it seems the Cowboys will spread the ball around between the two.
Smith faces a tough Eagles defense that is ranked fourth in aFPA to running backs. Until we see Smith get more carries, we should expect him to have success in the passing game and that's it. With the unfavorable matchup, leave Smith on your bench this week.
