Week 2 at Washington
It was a pretty good debut for rookie Ezekiel Elliot last wekk. Many expected him to be the Dallas workhorse in the backfield and that's pretty much what he saw with 20 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. Although those numbers aren't great, expect him to be ever better on a weekly basis with more involvement in the passing game. He only played 64% of the snaps, but that number should go up as well.
Washington is the Week 2 opponent and saw DeAngelo Williams run all over them. Elliot might do the same. Start Elliot in all leagues and formats. He should put up some big numbers in Fedex.
Week 1 vs. New York Giants
Ezekiel Elliot might have been one of the highest drafted rookies in fantasy football history over the past month. The former Ohio State Buckeye has the skill set to be very good and he will get an opportunity to play and be a No. 1 running back right away. However, one big blow early is the loss of QB Tony Romo. Rookie Dak Prescott will get the call and although he could be just fine, will that negatively impact Elliot?
Another reason there is such high expectations for Elliot is the Cowboys offensive line, which is one of the best in the NFL. He is the also a good receiver out of the backfield.
The Giants are the Week 1 opponent and their defense struggled overall last season and was 21st in aFPA to running backs in 2015. It was a split decision last year as New York was pretty good in Dallas against the run in Week 1, but Darren McFadden ran all over them at MetLife in Week 7.
It should be a very good debut for Elliot. Despite the rookie quarterback, we expect Elliot a minimum of 20 touches. He is a top-5 fantasy running back for Week 1 so start him in all leagues and formats.
Fantasy Upside
The buzz is there for rookie Ezekiel Elliot. After a spectacular career at Ohio State, Elliot is ready to step in on Day 1 to be the Cowboys workhorse in the backfield. Part of the reason there is high anticipation is what Dallas has done in the running game with one of the best offensive lines in football. Elliot has more overall talent than the likes of DeMarco Murray and Darren McFadden, so the sky is the limit.
Fantasy Downside
Like with anyone transitioning from college to the pro game, you never know until they actually take the field. And not all rookie running backs who have been thrown into the fire in similar situations have had success.
2016 Bottom Line
Odds are Elliot will be a stud and get most of the touches for Dallas out of the backfield. He already has an ADP of being the 7th overall pick in drafts and that's a pretty good spot for him. Elliot is a slam-dunk first round pick in all formats and unless he gets injured, should be the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
