Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, September 4th, 2024, 8:20 PM ET
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Network: NBC/Peacock
Dallas Cowboys
Quarterback
Dak Prescott: SIT, QB2 (Start-able in SuperFlex)
Despite the dynamic duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens at his disposal, Dak Prescott is a borderline QB1/QB2 in Week 1. Prescott meets the daunting task of opening the NFL season in Philadelphia as the reigning Super Bowl champions look to defend their title. Dak went down with an injury before facing the Eagles last season, but they were one of the worst fantasy matchups for quarterbacks, holding opposing QBs to 0 or 1 touchdown passes in 11 of 18 games and just one 300-yard passer.
Running Back
Javonte Williams: FLEX, RB4
Miles Sanders: SIT
Jaydon Blue: SIT
Although Javonte Williams is the ceremonial starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys, Miles Sanders figures to be in the mix as well. The two have virtually split work with the first team in training camp. I’m only starting Williams as a desperation FLEX if you need a warm body, but considering the matchup against an Eagles defense that allowed just one 100-yard rusher and only five rushing touchdowns to the position last season, look elsewhere if possible. Sanders and rookie Jaydon Blue are easy sits, with Blue being nothing more than a stash at this point.
Wide Receiver
CeeDee Lamb: START, WR1
George Pickens: START, WR3
Jalen Tolbert: SIT
Regardless of the matchup, you start CeeDee Lamb. Period. George Pickens is always a threat to come down with a long touchdown pass, especially if the Cowboys go down big and have to air it out. But his wide range of outcomes also includes getting completely shut down by the Eagles’ defense. Jalen Tolbert isn’t remotely close to startable.
Tight End
Jake Ferguson: STREAM, TE2
Considering the state of the tight end position in fantasy, if you roster Jake Ferguson, you’re likely starting him. You’re just not excited about it. Fergalicious had five games of ten points or more in 2024, and that was without Pickens on the roster. You’re basically praying to eight-pound, six-ounce, newborn infant Jesus that he catches a touchdown.
Philadelphia Eagles
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts: START, QB1
I received a lot of hate this offseason for ranking Jalen Hurts in the second tier of QBs in my season-long ranks. Does this make up for it just a smidge? I have Hurts as my top-ranked quarterback for Week 1, and expect him to feast on the Micah Parsons-less Dallas defense. Hurts only faced the Cowboys once last season, but scored a total of four touchdowns, a pair of passing and rushing each.
Running Back
Saquon Barkley: START, RB1
Will Shipley: SIT
A.J. Dillon: SIT
You start Saquon Barkley anytime he’s active. You do not start any other Eagles running back if Saquon Barkley is active. Even if there’s a fire.
Wide Receiver
A.J. Brown: START, WR1
DeVonta Smith: START, WR2
Jahan Dotson: SIT
Even before losing Micah Parsons (yeah, I know they traded him, but they lost bigly), the Cowboys’ defense was expected to be…” not good”. Cornerback Trevon Diggs is expected to play after undergoing knee surgery in December and is expected to miss multiple games to start the season. But I’d bet my pet guinea pig Nugget that Diggs is eased into action and doesn’t play anywhere near a full allotment of snaps. Dallas gave up the seventh most fantasy points at the position per Yahoo, giving an all systems go for A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to start everywhere they’re rostered. Jahan Doston has reportedly looked good this offseason, but he belongs on the waiver wire.
Tight End
Dallas Goedert: STREAM, TE2
I’m optimistic we’ll see a bounce-back season from Dallas Goedert under new OC Kevin Patullo. But until we see any sort of consistency, he’s nothing more than a matchup-based streamer. He’s an ok start, but I’m not forcing Goedert into any lineup.