Week 4 at New Orleans
Ezekiel Elliot had his second straight 100+ rushing yard game and also had 20+ touches for the second straight week. He seems to be full force now although after scoring touchdowns the first two weeks, he was held out of the end zone for the first time this season.
Elliot will face the Saints who have a decent run defense, ranked 11th in aFPA to running backs. The matchup is really irrelevant as Elliot is going to get his touches and the yardage will be high. The difference between and good day and a great day is if he ends up in the end zone.
Start Elliot in all leagues and formats as one of the top fantasy plays for Week 4. No doubt he will have a big night.
Week 3 vs Miami
It didn't take Ezekiel Elliot long to get to playing shape after holding out during training camp. He had 25 touches and ended up with a 100-yard rushing day and 120 total yards from scrimmage. This is probably the floor for Elliot from here on out. He is going to put up big numbers every week regardless of the opponent.
Elliot should eat this week against Miami who were dead last in aFPA to running backs in 2018. The only drawback is if the Cowboys get up big early and decide to save wear and tear on Zeke's body, but he should get a minimum of 20 touches and a big yardage day.
Start Elliot in all leagues and formats as the No. 1 fantasy running back for Week 3.
Week 2 at Washington
We didn't expect Ezekiel Elliot to get his regular workload as he ended up with 14 touches. He still managed to record 63 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown. With a full week of practice, Elliot should be back to normal.
The Redskins are 15th in aFPA to running backs to start the season. Elliot has played well historically against Washington averaging 97 rushing yards in five games and scoring six touchdowns.
Elliot should double his workload this week and takes his spot back as a top five fantasy running backs. Start him in all leagues and formats.
Week 1 vs New York Giants
The holdout is done and Ezekiel Elliot will suit up for Week 1. Even with missing time, expect Elliot to get 20-25 reps. The Cowboys will be cautious but if they feel he is in good shape, he will be a factor for Week 1.
Elliot faces the Giants who were 30th in aFPA to running backs last season. For his career, he has averaged 85 rushing yards per game but has only scored two touchdowns in four meetings with the division rival. Elliot rushed for 78 yards in Week 2 last season, but sat out the season finale against New York.
Elliot immediately jumps in the top five for fantasy running backs for Week 1 and will be a weekly candidate for the No. 1 spot overall. We are expecting around 20 touches for about 100 total yards so even though his impact will be slightly limited, he is a definite starter against New York.
Fantasy Upside
Ezekiel Elliot continues to be one of the most consistent fantasy players in the NFL. He has averaged over 100 yards rushing all three of his seasons and recorded over 2,000 yards from scrimmage last season thanks to more involvement in the passing game. Elliot also had a career-high 381 touches. More important, he was able to play a full season after being suspended six games in 2017. It is noteworthy that Elliot is a true every-down back as the other running backs on the Cowboys roster see little playing time.
Fantasy Downside
Obviously, Elliot’s yardage totals are among the best at his position. The one weakness last season in his numbers was his touchdowns. He found the end zone nine times in 2018, the same amount as in 2017 with six fewer games. Elliot scored 16 his rookie season. There is also the off-the-field issues for Elliot including a recent incident this summer in Las Vegas.
2019 Bottom Line
As long as Elliot stays on the field, he is the No. 1 fantasy running back in the NFL. Expect him to eclipse the 2,000 total yard mark again and the touchdowns to be higher. He should be the No. 1 overall pick in any draft although many are taking Saquon Barkley over him at this point.
Week 19 at Los Angeles Rams
The critics have called out the Cowboys at times for getting off the Ezekiel Elliot bandwagon. But in recent weeks, Elliot has been the Cowboys offense. He had 169 total yards last week and 30 touches. Expect more of the same in Los Angeles.
The Rams are 20th in aFPA to running backs, but have allowed more yards per carry than any team in the NFL. Elliot will get his 30 touches again and this makes him one of the best fantasy plays for Week 18. Start him in all leagues and formats. Big day coming up for Elliot.
Week 18 vs. Seattle Seahawks
If the Cowboys are going to win a playoff game, Ezekiel Elliot will have to me a major reason why. He has more touches than anyone in the NFL and that is not going to change in the playoffs, no matter what defenses throw at Dallas.
Elliot rushed for 127 yards in an early season meeting with Seattle who is ranked 16th in aFPA to running backs. Just the volume alone (25+ touches) makes him very valuable. He comes into the playoffs as the No. 1 ranked fantasy running back for Week 18.
Week 17 at New York Giants
Ezekiel Elliot has 50 more touches than any player in the NFL. His fantasy outlook for 2018 has pleased owners that selected him as results have been very good for Elliot all season long.
He will face the Giants in the season finale. Since the Cowboys are locked into the No. 4 spot in the NFC, Elliot will probably not see his usual workload. He will see enough to still put him your fantasy lineup. Start him as an RB3 or flex rather than his usual RB1 ranking.
Week 16 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even though the Cowboys offense was shutout last week, Ezekiel Elliot was still effective with 25 touches for 129 yards. It was the second straight game without a touchdown, but that shouldn't be too much of a concern considering how many times he is touching the ball.
Elliot has a great matchup against Tampa Bay who is ranked 28th in aFPA to running backs. Expect the Cowboys offense to get back on track by riding Elliot. He should have a huge game and is the top ranked fantasy running back for Week 16.
Week 15 at Indianapolis Colts
The Cowboys finally figured out they need to get back to riding Ezekiel Elliot. During the current winning streak, Elliot's numbers have skyrocketed. He had a season-high 40 touches which included 12 pass receptions. That gave him a total 192 total yards. Elliot also recorded his fourth 100+ rushing yard game in the last five. The only negative from last week, was that he did not get into the end zone.
Elliot has another favorable matchup this Sunday. The Colts are 20th in aFPA to running backs. The touches should keep coming so expect another big game from him. Start Elliot in all leagues and formats as a top-five fantasy running back for Week 15.
