Week 3: Bryant vs Rams
After a slow start to the season, Dez Bryant exploded last week with 10 catches for 103 yards and touchdown. His bad shoulder seems to be getting better and when he is 100%, we will see numbers like this on a consistent basis.
The Rams pass defense will not match up well with Bryant which means another big day for the Cowboys No. 1 receiver. As long as he doesn't have a setback with the shoulder, Bryant rates a top 5 fantasy receiver for Week 3.
Week 2: Bryant vs Titans
Tony Romo needed Dez Bryant last week, but Bryant was limited in his overall impact with only six targets, four catches and 55 yards. Part of the reason for the poor performance falls on Romo so Bryant is a good candidate for a bounce back week. Bryant did average 16.7 yards per catch which was encouraging.
Week 2 brings a touch matchup against the Titans secondary which was very good in 2013 and Week 1 of 2014. Normally, that would lower the value players, but Bryant has so much talent, we still see him as a top 5 fantasy receiver for Sunday. Start Bryant in all leagues and expect better numbers this week.
Week 1: Bryant vs 49ers
Dez Bryant's numbers have steadily climbed since his rookie season. He is now being considered a top 3 fantasy WR as there is no expected drop off with his numbers. He is clearly the No. 1 option for Tony Romo which wasn't always the case. And despite opposing defenses smothering him with coverages, Bryant has prevailed.
The Niners pass defense is tough, but we expect the Cowboys find will ways to get Bryant involved, especially with the deep ball. He still rates right around the top 5 for Week 1. Start him in all leagues and formats.
Fantasy Upside
The biggest question about Dez Bryant: Is he the best receiver in football? New Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan might make him the best. The Cowboys will find ways to get Bryant the ball downfield more which should help his yardage and average yards per catch totals. Bryant should at least match his 13 touchdowns from last season and exceed the 160 targets that had him sixth in the NFL among wide receivers. Bryant is just entering the prime of his career and is poised to have a career year in 2014.
Fantasy Downside
Bryant can be a firecracker at times. We have seen him clash with QB Tony Romo and the coaching staff and his off-the-field incidents have garnered him unnecessary attention. But those issues pale in comparison to his over all talent.
Bottom Line
Bryant will be ranked as a top 3 fantasy wide receiver at the end of 2014 and maybe No. 1. The addition of Linehan will help and Bryant is starting to become a more polished receiver in his own right. In standard leagues, Bryant is a good pick at the beginning of the second round. His ADP of 9 is fine if you are not satisfied with the running backs remaining, and if you took Bryant ahead of Calvin Johnson or Demarius Thomas, I wouldn't question it. In a PPR league, he is definitely worth a late first round pick.
