Week 3 at Seattle Seahawks
Another strong outing for Ezekiel Elliott has justified his high running back fantasy rating coming into the season. His numbers haven't been gaudy, but with 22 touches last week and a touchdown for the second straight game, Elliott has been good in a Cowboys offense that has not been very good. Good news for fantasy owners is that Elliott has been on the field for 93 percent of his team's offensive snaps. That should remain the game plan for Dallas, who is short on offensive weapons.
Elliott faces an average Seattle defense this week. They are ranked 12th in aFPA to running backs in 2018. Like most teams, the Seahawks will try to take Elliott away. However, since his touche share will likely be in the 25–30 range, it shouldn't matter all that much. Start Elliott in all leagues and formats as a top-five fantasy running back.
Week 2 vs. New York Giants
It was a very average performance for Ezekiel Elliott in Week 1 against Carolina. He did have 18 touches for 86 yards and the only Cowboys touchdown. But that is below what is expected of him.
The Cowboys face rival Giants this week, a team not great against the run. Elliott actually has his worse numbers against division opponents.
We would like to see Elliot get more touches and for the Cowboys offense to be more explosive. Elliott is still rated high for Week 2. Start him in all leagues and formats as a top-five fantasy running back.
Week 1 at Carolina Panthers
Despite the opinion that the Cowboys offense will take a step back in 2018, the consensus is it won't be because of Ezekiel Elliott. The third-year running back should continue to put up numbers. With a passing game that could struggle, he will be the focus of Dallas' offense.
Expect a ton of touches for Elliott, including in the passing game. The Cowboys face a very good Carolina run defense, but he should still put up good numbers.
Start Elliot in all leagues and formats as a top-five fantasy running back for Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
Ezekiel Elliott enters his third season poised to repeat the numbers from his rookie season. Despite being suspended for six games last year, he still managed to put up impressive numbers. He will get the football plenty (20+ touches in 21 games over the past two seasons) and he will produce rushing yards. Elliott was actually involved a little more in the passing game last season so those numbers could rise as well.
Fantasy Downside
How good will Dallas' offense be? The offensive line is not as good as it was in 2016 when Elliott rushed for over 1,600 yards. There are also questions about how good the passing game is with the current receiving group.
2018 Bottom Line
Elliott is one of the top fantasy players in 2018. He will be selected in the top five and will most likely wind up as the third running back taken. But we suggest if you have a high pick to choose him over LeVeon Bell, whose contract situation could impact his numbers. Elliott is a slam dunk pick, so don't hesitate.
Week 17 at Philadelphia Eagles
It will be interesting to see how Dallas uses Ezekiel Elliott in a meaningless game. He did get 28 touches in his return last week, but that wasn't enough to get the Cowboys a win. Elliott will also have to face an Eagles defense ranked fifth in aFPA to running backs.
The Cowboys have already stated Elliott will play, but don't expect the same amount of touches as you are used to seeing. Start him in a tough matchup as a low-end RB2 for Week 17.
Week 16 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Ezekiel Elliott returns from his suspension and should have fresh legs. We also expect the Cowboys to ride him heavy. He should be back to 25+ touches and that means good numbers for him overall.
Elliott will face a Seahawks defense ranked 18th in aFPA to running backs. This is an easy one to predict and we expect a top-five fantasy running back performance from Elliott. Start him in all leagues and formats for Week 16.
Week 9 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Ezekiel Elliot has another life at least for one more week. The courts have ruled he can play this Sunday which means his fantasy owner can rejoice. Elliott was a beast in the rain against Washington last week with 33 carries for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was his third straight 100-yard rushing game and he has scored 6 touchdowns in the last five games.
Elliot will face the Chiefs in Week 9 and expect the Cowboys to use him a lot again. He should get 25+ touches which means more yardage and touchdowns against a defense ranked 11th in aFPA to running backs.
Start Elliott as the No. 1 fantasy running back this week. He has been running like every game is his last and that could be the case temporarily. Eventually, the suspension will stick and then other options will be considered.
Week 8 at Washington
No suspension yet for Ezekiel Elliott and that seems to have motivated him as he recorded his second straight 100+ rushing yard game last week, going for a season-high 147 on the ground. He also scored three3touchdowns against the Niners which doubled his total on the season.
Elliott will face Washington, who is ranked seventh in aFPA to running backs. He did not put up a 100-yard rushing game last season against them although he did have two solid games.
As long as the suspension stays away, Elliott is a strong RB1. He has had at least 20+ carries in every game but one. Even against a tough run defense this week, he is one of the best fantasy plays at running back. Start him in all leagues and formats.
Week 7 at San Francisco 49ers
A court will allow Ezekiel Elliott to play another week. This is good news for the Cowboys and Elliott owners. However, you might want to consider picking up Alfred Morris or Darren McFadden as a collar if you haven't already because most likely Elliott will be suspended. It's just a matter of when.
Before the bye week, Elliott eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the second time this season. He also had a season-high 30 touches against the Packers. Elliott will face a 49ers defense ranked 30th in aFPA to running backs, so this is a great matchup, considering he will get 25+ touches. Start Elliott in all leagues and formats as a top-five fantasy running back for Week 7.
Week 5 vs. Green Bay Packers
It was a very good game for Ezekiel Elliott last weekend. He had 25 touches for 139 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground and 1 touchdown through the air. The 54 receiving yards are something the Cowboys were hinting you might see as Elliott gets more involved in the passing game. Of course, this is good news for Elliott's owners, especially if you are in a PPR league.
Elliott did pop up on the injury list with a chest issue, but he is expected to play. He will face a Packers defense this week that's ranked 15th in aFPA to running backs. It should be another big game for the second-year back. Start him in all leagues and formats as one of the best fantasy plays of Week 5. Also, be aware the league could be making a ruling on his suspension in the next couple weeks.
