Week 10 at Tampa Bay
Dez Bryant is back. Sort of. He put up the numbers we are used to from the Cowboys No. 1 receiver with five catches for 104 yards and a touchdown last week, but he is still not 100 percent with nagging knee and ankle injuries. He is listed as questionable against Tampa, so keep an eye on the active list this week although we expect him to play.
The Bucs are 25th in aFPA to wide receivers, so the matchup is favorable for Bryant. However, the injuries are a cause for concern. Start Bryant, but only as a high-end WR2 for Week 10.
Week 9 vs Philadelphia
The good news is Dez Bryant played 81 percent of the snaps. He was targeted seven times, which is more good news. The bad news is he only had two receptions for 12 yards. Part of the issue is the quarterback play, and part of the problem is he is still not 100 percent
Bryant has a good matchup against the Eagles, who are 27th in aFPA to wide receivers. His numbers should be better if QB Matt Cassel can find a way to get him the football. Start Bryant for Week 9 as a solid WR2. Hopefully, he will get enough balls his way to make an impact.
Week 8 vs Seattle
So far, so good for the return of Dez Bryant to the Cowboys lineup. He has been out since Week 1, and Dallas has desperately missed him. He is still listed as questionable so you will have to keep an eye on the injury report, but we think he will play.
That doesn't mean Bryant jumps right to the top of the WR fantasy rankings. There will probably be some rust and the Cowboys might not give him a full workload upon his return. He will also have Matt Cassel throwing to him, not Tony Romo. Plus, Seattle has one of the best pass defenses in the NFL. If he plays, Bryant should be in your lineup, but don't expect WR1 numbers. He rates at the lower end of WR2s.
Week 1 vs Giants
Dez Bryant will be a mainstay towards the top of the wide receiver rankings all season, and is almost assured a top-5 spot on a weekly basis. He is right there for Week 1 against the Giants, who he caught 16 passes against for 237 yards and two touchdowns in two regular season games in 2014. It will be no surprise if he puts up numbers up like that on Sunday night in Big D.
Fantasy Upside
There is no doubt Dez Bryant is one of the best receivers in the NFL and his numbers last year show that. With DeMarco Murray gone and the Cowboys shifting around their running back personnel, Dally may rely more on the passing game in 2015. Bryant has been doing it all from a fantasy standpoint. High number of receptions. High yardage total. High touchdown total. He is a constant on the Dallas offense and will be their most important player on that side of the ball.
Fantasy Downside
Bryant will still put up numbers, but it would be surprising if he matched or exceeded his 16 touchdown total from 2014. Most likely, the Cowboys offense will not be as efficient and score less points this season, which would cut into Bryant's production from the TD angle.
Bottom Line
You really can't go wrong with drafting Bryant. He is going to be the top fantasy receiver some weeks and will be a consistent performer all season. His ADP puts him as a first round pick in standard and PPR leagues. If he falls to the 2nd round somehow, grab him as the bargain of your draft.
Week 19: Bryant vs Packers
The Lions decided to take Tony Romo's favorite target away last week with constant double-teams and force the Cowboys' QB to find different receivers. It worked to a point as the Dez Bryant was held to three catches for 48 yards, 43 of those coming on one key play that set up a touchdown. Besides that, Bryant was very quiet on the day as those were the only three targets.
We don't expect the same outcome this week as Green Bay's defense is not nearly as good as the Lions. The Packers are 24th in aFPA to wide receivers. Since the Cowboys have had success on the road, Bryant is looking at a big game. He rates one of the top receivers in the Week 19 and should put up the numbers we are used to from the Pro Bowl receiver.
Week 18: Bryant vs Lions
Don't think Dez Bryant doesn't know who is lining up for Detroit at wide receiver. As much as he wants to win, he wants to be the reason the Cowboys win. Some people don't like that, but it does motivate him and Calvin Johnson's presence will motivate him more.
Bryant had a great season catching 88 balls but even more impressive, he scored a Cowboys record 16 receiving touchdowns. We know Bryant will get you numbers each week, but in 2014, it was the touchdowns that put him over the top.
The Lions are 15th in aFPA to wide receivers so expect a big game for Bryant as one of the top fantasy wide receivers for Wild Card weekend.
Week 17: Bryant vs Redskins
Dez Bryant had a workman-like five catches for 75 yards and a touchdown last week against Indy. He still remains the second offensive option on this Dallas offense behind DeMarco Murray, so the 'Boys will always find ways to get him the ball. We don't expect much of a drop off in playing time as Jerry Jones is fired up to beat down Washington.
Bryant struggled against the Redskins in the first meeting this season with only three catches for 30 yards. However, he did save his fantasy day with a touchdown in that game. Washington is 27th in aFPA to wide receivers so expect Bryant to put up better numbers this time around. Start him as a solid WR1 for Week 17.
Week 16: Bryant vs Colts
Dez Bryant was targeted eight times this week, but that turned into six catches and THREE touchdowns. After going two games without scores, he exploded against the Eagles and now has 13 touchdowns on the season. Bryant also eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark for the fourth time in 2014.
This week, Bryant faces a Colts defense that is 11th in aFPA to wide receivers. The neutral matchup always still favors the stud receiver so we expect another big game from Bryant. Start him in all leagues as a top 5 fantasy wide out..
Week 15: Bryant vs Eagles
It's been a quiet two weeks for Dez Bryant with zero end zone visits and only 10 catches for 155 yards. The numbers aren't terrible, but expectations are always high for the Cowboys No. 1 receiver. One of those game was against the Eagles on Thanksgiving, and Bryant was clearly frustrated.
The Eagles are 29th in aFPA to wide receivers so a very favorable matchup for Bryant for Week 15. Although this game is on the road, Bryant is poised to break out on the big stage. Start him in all leagues as a top 5 fantasy receiver.
