Saints @ Cowboys: Fantasy Football Forecast
Good win and good game against the Vikings, not exactly what we hoped in terms of fantasy football though. Dallas should be a better matchup, even if the Saints won’t play in the Superdome. Without further ado, here’s my position-by-position breakdown of this week’s game in Arlington, Texas.
DALLAS COWBOYS
QB
Romo has been a consistent fantasy quarterback in the last couple of years but now that he’s dealing with a back injury his numbers are going down. Over the last three games Romo scored just 36 fantasy points, less than Ryan Tannehill, Eli Manning and Brian Hoyer. He missed back-to-back practices early in the week but he should be able to play on Sunday night.
Assuming Romo is healthy and good to go, this should be a high-scoring game so there’s no real reason not to start him.
Tony Romo’s Projections
NFL.com – 18.38 pts
ESPN – 15.00 pts
YAHOO – 16.00 pts
RB
Demarco Murray has been a fantasy stud do far, ranking 2nd among running backs behind Marshawn Lynch. As long as he’s healthy he’s a must-start, even if he has the tendency to fumble the ball.
WR
The matchup is not bad as the Saints are allowing the 9th-most fantasy points to wideouts. Dez Bryant isn’t a safe bet against the Saints: in 2012 he went off scoring 2 touchdowns and grabbing 9 balls for 224 yards. In 2013? 2 targets, 1 catch for 44 yards. What is he gonna do this year? I believe he won’t see many targets but Dallas has to somehow put the ball in his hands so he’s gonna be productive Sunday night – just don’t expect 2012 Dez.
Terrence Williams could have a nice game as he’ll be facing unproven #2 cornerback Corey White. Williams has already been targeted 14 times in three games and while he doesn’t pile up many yards he managed to score twice. Like I said before, I think this is gonna be a high-scoring game so why not give Williams a chance this week, especially if you need to replace a wide receiver with a bye week.
TE
Can you believe Jason Witten scored less fantasy points than Josh Hill and Levine Toilolo? Well, it’s the truth. Witten has yet to catch a touchdown pass and recorded just 95 receiving yards in three games. He’s never been a touchdown machine and fantasy owners are well aware of that: my advice is to sit him but between injuries and bye weeks it could be hard to find a replacement, as NFL.com Michael Fabiano writes:
"Witten is likely to be active in most fantasy leagues, as the tight end position has become thin due to injuries. Keep in mind, though, that he has been held in check by the Saints during his career. In seven meetings, Witten has been held to 60 or fewer yards six times. He has also never scored a touchdown against New Orleans."
K
One of the most productive and reliable fantasy kickers, Dan Bailey is a safe start each and every week. He’s now the 4th-best fantasy kicker with 31.00 points and is 7/7 on the season, with one field goal from 50+ yards.
D/ST
Truth be told Dallas’ defense is not that bad (so far): they allowed a lot of points (57) but they already have 3 sacks, 4 INTs and 1 defensive touchdown. That being said, the last three defenses that faced New Orleans scored 3.00, 12.00 and 2.00 points in week 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
(Photo courtesy of Fansided.com)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
QB
In six games against the Cowboys Drew Brees has thrown for 2081 yards, 16 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Enough said.
RB
Khiry Robinson didn’t produce much last week (69 rushing yards) but he got 18 touches and that’s encouraging considering that Ingram is still dealing with the hand injury. He’s projected to score 10+ points against Dallas that already allowed 300+ rushing yards in three games. If you’re looking for a flex Robinson or Thomas are both excellent options this week.
NFL.com Michael Fabiano likes Pierre Thomas too:
"Six teams are on a bye this week, so fantasy owners will be leaning on new faces at the running back position. One of those runners is Thomas, who has flex-starter appeal in Dallas. The Cowboys defense has allowed 17-plus fantasy points to backs in two of its first three games. What’s more, Thomas has three scores in his last two games versus the ‘Boys."
Pierre Thomas’ Projections
NFL.com – 6.20 pts
ESPN – 6.00 pts
YAHOO – 9.85 pts
WR
Brandin Cooks has yet to score 10+ points after his explosive performance in week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons but he’s always targeted a lot and last week he was inches away from a big play. Don’t be afraid to start Cooks.
Colston has been A BIT inconsistent so far…
Last week ha was having another poor game but a 4th-quarter 18-yards touchdown reception saved the day for Colston’s fantasy owners. In five games against the Cowboys Colston had only one TD catch so my advice is to sit him.
TE
Probably the best fantasy matchup Jimmy Graham will get all season long: Dallas already allowed 4 touchdowns and 290 receiving yards to opposing tight ends, ranking 31st in the league.
K
Pretty meh season by Shayne Graham so far. If you’re thinking about dropping him I’m sure either Dan Carpenter or Shaun Suisham (3rd and 5th among fantasy kickers right now) are available in your league so go ahead and pick one of them up. Suisham has favourable matchup too as he’ll be at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
D/ST
Nope, still too soon. I need to see turnovers, guys.