Predictions for the Dallas Cowboys 2018 running backs

The Dallas Cowboys rushing production dropped off noticeably last year. After some offseason additions, how does the group stack up in 2018?

For the Dallas Cowboys, when their offense is at its best it is built around one thing. Running the football. Since the 2014 season, the Cowboys have been regarded as one of the best running teams in the National Football League, and it has showed in the stats.

In 2014, 2016, and 2017 the Cowboys finished as the 2nd best rushing attack in the NFL, and even in a 4-12 down season in 2015, Dallas still finished 9th in the league.

The Cowboys have built their offense around the running game and if they want to be successful, they have to have a potent rushing attack.

Lets take a look at what the projected Dallas Cowboys depth chart at running back may look like in 2018, and what the season may look like for each player.

RB 1- Ezekiel Elliott 6’0 225 lbs

When talking about Ezekiel Elliott, it is pretty clear that he is the engine that keeps the Cowboys going. In Elliott’s absence last year, the team posted just a 3-3 record, and when he was out, the Dallas running game suffered greatly.

In just 10 games that he played in Elliott fell just 23 yards shy of a 1,000 yard season, scored seven touchdowns, and still finished in the top 10 in the NFL in rushing yards. In 2018, expect the Cowboys to rely on Elliott even more than they did in previous season.

With the losses of Jason Witten and Dez Bryant on offense, the Cowboys are going to have to be able to run the football even more to make their offense go. Expect Elliott to get about 25-30 touches a game consistently this year.

Behind their star studded offensive line, and motivated to make people forget about last year, I think Elliott is going to have an outstanding year, and put himself right in the middle of the MVP conversation in the league.

Prediction: 348 rushes, 1,725 yards, 15 touchdowns, 30 receptions, 300 yards, 2 touchdowns.