Week 7: Murray vs Giants
The talk around Dallas is too many carries for DeMarco Murray. His fantasy owners don't think so. He has averaged over 26 carries per game and also getting targeted another 4 times by Tony Romo. The Cowboys have been successful with this formula and if they back off Murray, it could affect their offense.
Great matchup this week against the Giants who are 25th in aFPA to running backs. Murray should have another big game and should continue his 100-yard rushing streak, even if his carries are cut back a little. Start Murray as the No. 1 overall back for Week 7.
Week 6: Murray vs. Seahawks
Five straight 100-yard games for DeMarco Murray, although his touchdown streak ended last week. Murray had a season high 31 carries and 6 catches. He has been the best fantasy RB of 2014.
Murray has a tough matchup against the Seahawks defense. Despite that, Murray will still get his carries and touches. He is not the overall No. 1 running back this week like he has been, but he is still a strong RB1 start for Week 6.
Week 5: Murray vs. Texans
DeMarco Murray has been the No. 1 running back all season and has looked good doing it. Four straight 100-yard performances. Four straight games with a touchdown. He has been the workhorse for the Cowboys.
Texans aren't a great run defense, so expect another heavy workload for Murray. As long as he stays healthy, he should put up big numbers again. Start Murray as the No. 1 fantasy running back for Week 5.
Week 4: Murray vs Saints
The best fantasy running back in 2014 is DeMarco Murray. He recorded his third straight 100-yard game and third straight game with a touchdown. He also caught a season-high four passes.
Murray will face a Saints' defense that has been decent against opposing running backs, but not so good in the passing game. It will be interesting to see if the Cowboys continue to ride Murray or attack New Orleans with Tony Romo and company instead.
We really think the matchup doesn't much matter, as Murray will get his touches. Start him as the No. 1 running back for Week 4.
Week 3: Murray vs Rams
Back-to-back 100-yard efforts for DeMarco Murray plus a touchdown on both games. This is what we expected of Murray coming into the season if he could stay on the field and he has. He did lose a fumble in both games this season, but that has been the only negative.
The Rams run defense isn't very good. Expect Murray to put up monster numbers again this week. Start him in all leagues. He ranks the best running back play for Week 3.
Week 2: Murray vs Titans
DeMarco Murray started the season off with a good performance against the Niners. He ran for 118 yards and caught three passes and was really the best offensive player wearing a Dallas jersey. He also averaged 5.2 yards per carry which ranked him with the league leaders.
Murray will continue to be heavily involved with the offense and this week he has a great matchup against a bad Titans run defense. If Murray gets the touches and we expect he will, big numbers coming from him in Nashville on Sunday.
Start Murray in all formats and leagues and expect another impact performance as he ranks one of the top Fantasy running backs for Week 2.
Week 1: Murray vs 49ers
DeMarco Murray is going to be a solid fantasy play all season long of he can stay on the field. He has proven results and the Cowboys plan on him being a big part of the offense.
The lack of carries because of injuries had denied him a shot at being a top 5 back in the past, so we will see if that changes in 2014. The Niners run defense was one of the best in the NFL this year, but it is expected to take a step back. Expect some good numbers across the board for Week 1 for Murray. Start him in all leagues and formats.
Fantasy Upside
DeMarco Murray had his best season in 2013. He ran for 1,121 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 53 passes which elevates his value in PPR leagues. Murray carried the ball 217 times and that number should rise. He really is the only running back option on the Cowboys roster and the team believes he is a three-down back. Murray has the size to run inside and the speed to run outside. He is averaging 4.9 yards per carry over the last three seasons. And remember one other thing: Murray is in a contract year.
Fantasy Downside
Durability is a big question mark for Murray. He has missed 11 games in this first three seasons which carries over a trend from college. He also has played hurt which has limited his productivity at times. Even if he misses some games, his numbers still have an impact, but if he misses 4 or 5 games, then the value is minimized.
Bottom Line
Murray has a chance to be a top 5 back this season. With new offensive coordinator expected to get the ball to his most dangerous weapons, Murray falls under that category. Don't be surprised if the Murray catches 20 more balls in 2014 and surpasses his season-high rushing totals from last season. As long as he stays on the field, Murray is a first round pick in all formats and I would even consider taking him even higher in PPR leagues.
