Week 18: Murray vs Lions
It was going to be a late Christmas present for DeMarco Murray and the Dallas running game with Ndamukong Suh's suspension, but now that it is overturned, the Cowboys will have to strap it up to run the football. Don't get me wrong. Murray is still the top running back playing this weekend. It just makes things a little tougher as the Lions are ranked 9th in aFPA to running backs.
Murray was back in the 100-yard column against the Redskins last week so the Cowboys aren't lessening his workload. He should be ready on Sunday so start him in all fantasy formats as the best running back for Wild Card weekend.
Week 17: Murray vs Redskins
Despite the hand injury, DeMarco Murray still carried the ball 22 times and scored a touchdown last week. He only played 50% of the snaps, so we could see Joseph Randle get some more playing time again this week, especially if the Cowboys get a big lead.
Murray had one of his best game of the season against the Redskins back in October. Washington is 14th in aFPA to running backs so overall the matchup is pretty good for him. The problem is usage. Between the hand injury, the Cowboys not having much to play for and an illness that kept him out of practice, Murray likely won't see enough touches to make the impact that we are used to. However, he still has value. Start him as a low-end RB1 as we think he will still get 15 or so touches on Sunday.
Week 16: Murray vs Colts
The big news all over the NFL was the hand surgery for DeMarco Murray. Fantasy owners have had their eye on Dallas practices and Murray owners like what they see. It would have been a big blow if you are in your playoffs this week. Although he was limited, he did practice. Murray told the media that the decision to play was up to him and owner Jerry Jones confirmed that. So, after two good days of practice, it appears he is a go although keep an eye on active list and injury information.
Murray has been on a TD roll as of late. After going four straight games without a TD, he has four in the last three games despite being held under 100 yards in two of them. If he does play, he will face the Colts who are 21st in aFPA to running backs. He isn't the top back this week, but he is a solid RB1 so start him in all formats if he is healthy.
Week 15: Murray vs Eagles
DeMarco Murray had a monster game last week against the Bears with 41 touches, 223 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. The Cowboys are always going to give him the ball and that's not going to change any time soon.
When the Cowboys faced the Eagles last time, he got the touches, but not the results. It was the only game this season where he didn't rush for 100 yards and the Birds had a great game plan holding the Cowboys to 10 points. The game is in Philly this time around and the Eagles are 17th in aFPA to running backs so no advantage either way. Murray is a definite start for Week 15 as one of the top fantasy running backs. Nothing changes this week.
Week 14: Murray vs Bears
DeMarco Murray was held under 100 yards rushing for only the second time this season, but he did score the only Dallas touchdown and still had a positive fantasy impact for his team. The Eagles did a good job of limiting Murray to 3.7 yards per carry which was the first time he was under 4 yards per carry in any game in 2014.
The Bears bring a neutral matchup as they are 13th in aFPA to running backs, so Murray is poised to have a big day. Expect him to be back over the 100 yard mark and in the end zone again. Thirty touches is not out of the question. Start Murray in all formats as the No. 1 fantasy running back for Week 14.
Week 13: Murray vs Eagles
DeMarco Murray had another 100+ rushing day, but for the fourth straight game, he failed to get into the end zone. The game plan is not expected to change any time soon as Murray is the No. 1 offensive weapon on the Cowboys, no matter what Dez Bryant thinks.
Another great matchup for Week 13 should garner Murray some big numbers. The Eagles are 27th in aFPA to running backs so expect the Cowboys' offense to have a great Thanksgiving. Start Murray as the No. 1 overall running backs this week.
Week 12: Murray vs Giants
DeMarco Murray got back to the 100-yard mark in London after his streak to start the season was stopped at eight. However, he has now gone three games without a touchdown. Don't let that deter you. The Giants are ranked 29th in aFPA to running backs so Murray is due for a big day.
Murray is the best play at running back this week and probably the top overall player. The fact the game is Monday night should help as the Cowboys enjoy the spotlight.
Week 10: Romo vs Jaguars
The streak is over at eight for DeMarco Murray's consecutive 100-yard games to start the season. He also did not score a touchdown for the second straight week and third time in the last four games. Part of the issue last week was the absence of QB Tony Romo. The Cowboys saw eight men in the box more than twice as often as usual, but Romo should play this Sunday in London.
Don't worry Murray owners. He is the top fantasy running back for Week 10. The matchup is great as the Jaguars are 25th in aFPA to running backs. Expect Murray to put up big points as long as Romo plays. If Romo is out, Murray still ranks a solid RB1.
Week 9: Murray vs Cardinals
Despite the fact the Cowboys' offense did not look in synch and the Tony Romo injury, DeMarco Murray kept chugging along with a 141-yard rushing day. That makes eight straight 100+ rushing performances for him which is unprecedented. However, there was a downside as Murray was held out of the end zone for only the second time this season.
This will be one of the better challenges for Murray and the Cowboys running game. Arizona is 5th in aFPA to running backs and will be keyed up to stop Murray. Don't let that bother you too much. It really hasn't mattered who the opponent is. Murray is still a top 5 fantasy back for Week 9 and don't surprised if the 100-yard streak continues.
Week 8: Murray vs Redskins
An NFL record 7 straight 100-yard rushing performances to start a season puts Murray in the history books and there is more to come. He continue to be the best back in the NFL and the numbers are staggering. The Cowboys will keep getting him touches.
The matchup with the Redskins is a tough one because the are 3rd in aFPA to running backs. Don't let that scare you away. Murray is the No. 1 ranked back for Week 8 and should start in all formats.
