Two Cowboys You Want For Your Fantasy Football Team
By Luke Swiney
The fall season is slowly approaching, Cowboys fans, and that means two things to the average American male: Football season, and fantasy football. When the calendar strikes August 1, time just seems to creep by, because of the anticipation. However, fantasy football helps appease the urges with pre-draft talk and early August fantasy drafts. There is a rising popularity with auction style drafts. They are a lot more engaging than a regular snake draft. However, it is easy to let your trigger finger get away from you when you really want a player. I once witnessed somebody bid $108 for Roddy White (yeah, yikes). Whether you are in an auction draft league, or the classic snake draft, I am going to share some insight on how much to pay, or where to draft. That is, if you are one for employing players from your favorite team. Let’s begin.
1. Dez Bryant-Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver
Last year, Dez Bryant had a great statistical year. Before we delve into yardage and touchdown numbers, it is important to note that Bryant received the 6th most targets in the league with 160 targets. This is important to note because you want a wide receiver that is at least provided opportunities to score you some points. Last year Bryant pulled down 93 receptions for 1,233 yards and 13 touchdowns. Bryant was also tied for 3rd in receiving touchdowns last season. Not to mention, he averaged 77.1 yards per game. These are not beastly or off the chart numbers, but they are definitely notable. In an auction style draft, if you can land Bryant in the $17-$22 range, it will be a steal. In a snake draft, you better try to take him in the 3rd or 4th round, if he is still there.
2. DeMarco Murray-Dallas Cowboys Running Back
I know we all remember the frustrations of not seeing DeMarco Murray get the ball enough. In fact, if you know much about the game, you were probably screaming, “Run the ball!” at least once per game. This one is just a grasp for hope, that the Cowboys learned their lesson, and will give him the ball more. Last season, Murray had 217 rushing attempts which ranks him 18th in the league. That is a solid ten slots lower than it should have been. However, he still had more yardage and touchdowns than some running backs who received more attempts. He finished the season with 1,121 yards and 9 touchdowns. Of the seventeen running backs ahead of him, he out-performed eight of them in yardage, and nine of them in touchdowns. Think of the damage he could do if he receives fifty-sixty more carries this season. In an auction style draft, don’t spend more than $28-$33. In a snake draft, definitely try to get him in the 1st or 2nd round. Running backs have more value than other positions in most fantasy leagues now, keep that in mind.
Subsequently, if you draft Dez Bryant, you may want to shoot for Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to try and receive the double points when they connect for big plays. Pending Romo’s health; he is good for at least 3,500+ yards and 25+ touchdowns. Whether these touchdowns come at opportune times or not, we will see.
Another player you may want to consider as a backup or late round flyer is Cowboys tight end Gavin Escobar. Yes, this is a sign that our famed hero tight end Jason Witten is getting older. I think that this season, we will see Escobar work in a closer capacity with the passing offensive packages, especially in the red zone. Either tight end will be a good pick, but Escobar as a backup only.
One more player to consider is Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams. He’s young, fast, and will take some pressure off Bryant, and vice versa. They will complement each other well this season. If you can land both on your squad, it could be good. Just be careful that you have decent bye week replacements.
Some closing thoughts. I know some people don’t like to have players from their favorite team on their fantasy team. I don’t make it a point to do it, but I do draft Cowboys for my fantasy team. I never want to be in a position where I have to root against my fantasy team, because I would never cheer against the Cowboys.