Week 5 vs Green Bay
After missing two games with injury, Michael Gallup is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday. He was very valuable the first two weeks of the season and owners hope he picks up where he left off.
It won't be easy against the Packers who are second in aFPA to wide receivers. Gallup might have to ease his way back into the offense which should have a big day against Green Bay, Just be cautious with Gallup returning as he is probably not a great play for Week 5 and should remain on the bench.
Week 2 at Washington
It was a strong start for Dallas No. 2 receiver Michael Gallup. He caught seven passes for 158 yards and 22.6 yards per catch - all career highs. Many thought Gallup could breakthrough in the second season and it appears that is a possibility.
Gallup will face a Washington defense that is 17th in aFPA to wide receivers. If QB Dak Prescott plays like he did Week 1 all season long, Gallup will put up major numbers.
For Week 2, start Gallup as a low-end WR3. We don't expect the numbers he put up last week, but he could be a consistent contributor all season long.
Week 1 vs New York Giants
Michael Gallup had a decent rookie season and was more comfortable in the offense the last part of the season. He caught 15 of his 33 receptions during the last five games. Many are expecting a breakout season for Gallup in 2019.
Week 1 could be a good time for that breakout as Gallup faces the Giants who were 24th in aFPA to wide receivers in 2018. However, it could be a slow process as well, as the Cowboys have many offensive weapons.
Gallup should not be a fantasy starter Week 1, but is still worth a roster spot as depth, especially in deep leagues as he gets better as the season goes on.
Fantasy Upside
Michael Gallup had a promising rookie season and is expected to be the starter on the other side of Amari Cooper. Gallup started eight games last season and the 68 targets were high considering he was brought along slowly. That number should get closer to 100 in 2019.
Fantasy Downside
Randall Cobb was brought in to play the slot and although Gallup will be the starter, a healthy Cobb could cut into his snaps and other relevant stats. Also, will QB Dak Prescott be looking for Cooper more and forget about the other receivers?
2019 Bottom Line
Dallas likes Gallup and although he is depth on the fantasy side, he has plenty of upside. Look for 50 catches and 650 receiving yards. His ADP is 142 and considering how good the Cowboys offense will be, that is a good spot to take him.
Week 16 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Michael Gallup wasn't targeted last week against the Colts, but don't think that is reflection of where he is on the offensive scheme. It was just one of those games for the Dallas offense and maybe they will realize they need to get Gallup involved.
It's a decent matchup for him and the Cowboys offense has Tampa has been struggling. But even when the Dallas offense was clicking before last week, Gallup was still not putting up great numbers. Keep him on the bench for Week 16.
Week 15 at Indianapolis Colts
Michael Gallup didn't put up great numbers last week as WR Amari Cooper and RB Ezekiel Elliot had the ball in their hands most of the day. But the targets were there for the rookie. He has averaged seven per game over the last three weeks which makes him the second-ranked wide receiver on the team during that span.
Gallup and the Cowboys have a tough matchup this Sunday so don't expect the passing game to explode like last week. Gallup is definitely in the mix but not enough to earn a start in your fantasy lineup for Week 15. Keep him on the bench.
Week 14 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Gallup is starting to emerge as the No. 2 receiver in Dallas. The rookie caught five passes for 76 yards last week, but more important the targets have been up over the past two weeks. With opposing defenses having to worry about Amari Cooper now, Gallup will get more opportunities, especially against the Eagles who are ranked 27th in aFPA to wide receivers.
Keep Gallup on your fantasy radar although he is still not ranked high enough for a starting position in your lineup for Week 14.
Fantasy Upside
Michael Gallup is only a rookie, but he has a chance to become the No. 1 receiver for the Cowboys—maybe sooner rather than later. The third-round pick from Colorado State has plenty of competition, but is definitely the most talented receiver of the bunch and he has a ton of potential. He is a natural athlete who finds ways to get open using his athleticism.
Fantasy Downside
Gallup is a rookie and you don't see a lot of receivers excel their first season in the NFL. He also is considered raw by a lot of scouts, so even though the word potential is used, there is no guarantee when that potential will be reached, if at all. No doubt he has some things to work on and that could limit his production.
2018 Bottom Line
Although there will be an opportunity for Gallup to earn significant playing time, he isn't worth selecting in a fantasy draft unless it's really late. His ADP of 168 makes him an attractive pick, but he is strictly depth heading into the 2018 season.
