Divisional Round vs. Green Bay
Dez Bryant had mixed results this season, as he struggled through some injuries and some inconsistencies. However, he is still a big-play receiver, and the Cowboys use him that way. In the first meeting against the Packers, he did not play. But he is healthy now.
This is a great matchup, as Green Bay is ranked 31st in aFPA to wide receivers. Expect big numbers from Bryant, as the Packers worry about Ezekiel Elliot. Bryant is one of the top-tier wide receivers this weekend.
Week 17 at Philadelphia
Dez Bryant is one of the few Cowboys fantasy studs who might still have an impact this week. Bryant will still see over 75% of the snaps and also get eight to 10 targets.
Bryant faces the Eagles this week, who are only ranked 29th in aFPA to wide receivers this season. Start Bryant as a solid WR2 for Week 17 in Philadelphia.
Week 16 vs Detroit
Dez Bryant had double-digit targets for the first time since Week 8. Obviously, Bryant is Dak Prescott's go-to-guy in the passing game, but sometimes the rookie spreads the ball around and that has limited Bryant's production. He did have eight receptions, a season-high, for 82 yards last week.
The Lions are up next and are seventh in aFPA to wide receivers. Despite the tough matchup, Bryant still plays as a WR1. Start him in all leagues and formats.
Week 15 vs Tampa Bay
Dez Bryant was targeted nine times last week, but only had one reception for 10 yards. He is still the top target in the Dallas passing game, despite the limited production against New York. Bryant was added to the injury list as his back continues to bother him, but he is expected to play on Sunday night.
Bryant will face a tough Tampa defense that is ranked 10th in aFPA to wide receivers, but he is still the best option for QB Dak Prescott and should continue putting up good fantasy numbers. Start Bryant as a solid WR1 for Week 15.
Week 14 at New York Giants
Dez Bryant was back in the end zone last week and now has six touchdowns in the last seven games he has played. He also ended up with 84 receiving yards against a very good Minnesota defense. Bryant is healthy and is making an impact as the Cowboys big-play weapon.
Against New York in Week 1, Bryant had only one reception for eight yards, but take that with a grain of salt as it was rookie QB Dak Presott's first game. Their relationship has grown over the season. Giants are ranked fairly high (9th) in aFPA to wide receivers, but that should have limited effect. Start Bryant as a solid WR1 for Week 14.
Week 13 at Minnesota
Dez Bryant keeps making headline for his battle with Josh Norman, but that has not distracted him from putting up decent fantasy numbers each week. However, Bryant did not score a touchdown last Thursday, which was only the second time that has happened in his last six games.
Minnesota is one of the toughest matchups Dallas will face all season in the passing game, as they are ranked second in aFPA to wide receivers. Still, Bryant will get between seven and 10 targets, which is enough for him to make an impact. Taking the Vikings into consideration, Bryant is still a WR1 for Week 13, but on the low-end.
Week 12 vs Washington
The Dez Bryant-Dak Prescott connection seems to be working as the two have connected for four touchdowns in the last four games. Bryant's targets remain high and his yardage totals also have been fairly good. Bryant had a great game back in Week 2 against Washington catching seven passes for 102 yards.
The Redskins pass defense has been solid ranking 4th in aFPA to wide receivers. But with the way Prescott has been playing, Bryant should continue to put up very good numbers. Start Bryant as a solid WR1 for Week 12.
Week 12 vs Baltimore
Dez Bryant continues to prove that when he is on, he is hard to stop. Last week, he caught six passes for 116 yards and one touchdown in the win over Pittsburgh. Bryant needs to stay healthy, which seems to be the only real issue with him.
Baltimore is ranked 20th in aFPA to wide receivers, so Bryant could end up with another big game. The only concern is targets, due to how successful the running game is. He was solid with nine last week, but only had four the week before.
Start Bryant as a low-end WR1 for Week 11 against the Ravens.
Week 10 at Pittsburgh
The good news is that Dez Bryant practiced this week. Coming off a one reception game, Bryant still didn't look healthy last week against the Browns so the Cowboys are hoping he is getting better.
The Steelers have actually been good against wide receivers ranked 5th in aFPA. That combined with the Bryant's performance last week and the fact the game is on the road pushes down to a solid WR2 for Week 10.
Week 9 at Cleveland
After missing four games, Dez Bryant returned in style with a four reception, 113-yard day that included his second touchdown of the season. Bryant looked healthy, and Prescott was able to make big plays with him in the passing game. Bryant's return is good news for the rookie, as Bryant can make any quarterback look good.
Bryant has a great matchup Sunday against the Browns, who are dead-last in the NFL in aFPA to wide receivers. The Browns have already allowed monster games to top-tier receivers, so as long as Bryant is healthy and on the field, he should do the same.
Start Bryant as a solid WR1 for Week 9. The only downside of his day could be if the Cowboys get up big early and run the ball more than usual.
