Week 13 vs. Houston Texans
Although it may appear that he is getting outplayed by Pollard, Ezekiel Elliott has been solid since coming back from injury. Last week he put together a nice outing rushing for 77 yards and a score on 17 attempts. He also added three catches for 14 yards.
I think Elliott has shown us that he can be trusted as a backend RB2. In a positive matchup this week, I am confidently starting Elliott as an RB2 with upside.
Week 13 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Since coming back from injury, Ezekiel Elliott has been impressive. Last week, he rushed 16 times for 92 yards and a score. He looked like a healthy running back eager to prove he is not washed.
I expect more of the same this week as Dallas may want to keep it on the ground. Indianapolis ranks 17th in rushing yards and touchdowns allowed. It is reasonable to plug Elliott into your lineup as a back-end RB2.
Week 12 vs. New York Giants
While his yards per carry was below 3 last week, Ezekiel Elliott was able to salvage his day by finding the end zone twice. He got the same number of rushes as Pollard and I expect that to continue going forward.
While Pollard may be better now and definitely more explosive, Elliott will still get touches and meaningful ones inside the five yard line. Last week, New York allowed over 140 yards on the ground to running backs. Still hoping for a score, start Elliott as a low-end RB2.
Week 10 at Minnesota Vikings
Expected to make his first appearance since injuring his knee, Ezekiel Elliott is a risky start. While the Minnesota run defense is nothing special, and this game should have plenty of yards and touchdowns, I'd like to see his usage and effectiveness before throwing him in lineups.
There is a chance Dallas could ease him back in. There is also a chance Pollard takes over as the lead guy due to his recent performances. If you don't have other options, start Elliott as an RB3 this week.
Week 10 at Green Bay Packers
Ezekiel Elliott has now been able to rest his knee injury for two weeks. The expectation is that he will suit up and play this week, but to what extent is unknown. According to Jerry Jones, Pollard's incredible performance in week 8 will not change Elliott's workload.
Starting Elliott is a bit risky this week as we are not sure how healthy he truly is and how involved Pollard will now be. If you have better options I would pivot off of Elliott. If you are desperate and need to fill a lineup, plug Elliott in as an RB3.
Week 7 vs. Chicago Bears
Finding the end zone twice last week, Ezekiel Elliott left fantasy managers smiling. Logging 15 carries for 57 yards, those two touchdowns played a major role in Elliott's production.
Going up against Chicago who ranks 29th in rushing yards and touchdowns allowed, Elliott could find himself having another solid outing. With that said, Elliott is dealing with a knee injury which could either limit him or hold him out completely. Monitor the situation, but if he's all cleared, I am starting him as an RB2.
Week 7 vs. Detroit Lions
Going up against a tough Philadelphia defense last week, Ezekiel Elliott looked like his previous dominant self. Recording 13 carries for 81 yards and a score, he also added one catch for five yards. This was his best performance of the season.
Elliott could be heating up at the perfect time. Detroit ranks dead last in yards and touchdowns allowed to opposing running backs. Couple this with the return of Prescott to open up the offense and Elliott could be in for another big week. Start him confidently as an RB2.
Week 6 at Philadelphia Eagles
While the volume was certainly there, Ezekiel Elliott wasn't able to do much with it. Logging 22 attempts for 78 yards, he averaged a mediocre 3.5 yards per carry. Pretty underwhelming.
I have very little confidence in Elliott this week as well. Philadelphia ranks 10th in rushing yards allowed. It will be tough sledding against this Philadelphia defense. You are probably starting Elliott as a backend RB2 and hoping he finds the end zone.
Week 2 at Los Angeles Rams
It was not a great week for Ezekiel Elliott. As expected, it was tough sledding for this Dallas rushing attack. Elliott managed just 49 yards on 19 attempts. He was able to add 32 yards on two receptions, but again, without the touchdown, he left fantasy managers disappointed.
The Rams did just allow Jeff Wilson to have a decent game, rushing for 74 yards and a score. However, I am lowering my expectation for Elliott in this matchup. Start him as a solid flex play with RB2 upside.
Week 2 vs. Washington Commanders
Ezekiel Elliott looked rather solid in the running game last week. Recording 15 carries for 73 yards and a score, he gave fantasy managers a quality outing. While he is still splitting touches with Tony Pollard, it appears as though the goal line work belongs to him.
This week we may be banking on a touchdown for Elliott to pay off as Washington held running back Miles Sanders to just 46 yards on the ground last week. If you have him you are starting him as an RB2, but we may need to temper our expectations this week.
