Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 13th at 1:00 PM ET
Location: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Betting Odds: DAL -5.5, 42.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Dallas Cowboys
Quarterback
Andy Dalton (Sit, QB2)
While the Week 14 matchup against the Bengals defense is enticing, starting Andy Dalton in the fantasy playoffs is not the position managers hope to be in. Dalton has been fine in his last three starts but still is in the mid-QB2 range weekly. This game has the lowest Vegas point total for the week, just 42.5, don’t expect much scoring in this game. Dalton should finish as a low-end QB2 in this game fairly easily but offers little upside. Outside of deep 2QB leagues, look elsewhere.
Running Backs
Ezekiel Elliott (Start, RB2), Tony Pollard (Sit)
To say Ezekiel Elliott has been a disappointment the second half of the season is putting it lightly. Zeke has just one RB1 performance since Week 7. However, it isn’t all Zeke’s fault and he hasn’t “lost it” like folks in our QBList Discord like to claim. The Cowboys offensive line is without a single projected starter from pre-season and has three players with two years or less experience. It is rough to run behind a line this bad. Still benching Zeke isn’t a luxury most of us possess. The Bengals present a solid start for Zeke and he is still getting plenty of work. You can trust him as an RB2 just don’t expect a monster game. Backup running back Tony Pollard just isn’t getting enough work to warrant a start, even as a flex. For weeks now Pollard has earned less than ten opportunities and that just isn’t enough volume to trust in the playoffs.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Amari Cooper (Start, Flex), CeeDee Lamb (Start, Flex), Michael Gallup (Sit), Dalton Schultz (Sit)
The Cowboys’ trio of receivers, Amari Cooper, Ceedee Lamb, and Michael Gallup, have slowed down in recent weeks but each is still on pace for more than 800 yards receiving. Figuring out who the goto guy in any given weeks has been a challenge. Last week Gallup had a solid game with 11/86 and a touchdown while Lamb and Cooper were quiet. To make matters worse none of the three have had a 100-yard game since Week 5. If recent weeks are any indication, Cooper is number one in the pecking order but he can’t be trusted for any more than a flex play in any given week, even in a great matchup like Cincinnati. Lamb is also a flex this week but his upside is limited, and if you have a better option I wouldn’t blame you for starting them. As for Gallup, while his talent is unquestioned, his opportunity is also limited. Gallup’s big week last week seems like an anomaly and he can’t be trusted this week.
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Brandon Allen (Sit)
In the two games, Brandon Allen has started since the gut-wrenching injury to rookie Joe Burrow, the Bengals offense has ground to a halt. Allen is averaging a 58% completion percentage, 6 yards per attempt, with a 1:1 TD/INT ratio. The lone touchdown came on a quick WR pick where the receiver did most of the work, as the Dolphins were caught flat-footed. Allen has scored just 19.5 fantasy points in those two games. Needless to say but you can look elsewhere this week, and throughout the fantasy playoffs.
Running Backs
Giovani Bernard (Start, Flex), Joe Mixon (Out)
Joe Mixon was ruled out for the Week 14 game against the Cowboys. Mixon has been out since Week 7, and it might be a time to shut him down for the season. Mixon did return late last season so there is still hope. The matchup against Dallas couldn’t get any better. Dallas is allowing 130 yards and at least one score on the ground per game. Multiple backs have gashed this defense and the Bengals could have a field day on the ground. Giovani Bernard will be a solid flex play with upside. While it is hard to trust Gio as an RB2 after the past few weeks, the matchup against Dallas is just too enticing.
Wide Receivers
Tyler Boyd (Start, Flex), Tee Higgins (Sit, WR3), AJ Green (Sit), Drew Sample (Start, TE2)
Since Burrow exited the lineup, this passing game has ground to a halt. Still, Tyler Boyd has managed to keep his head above water and produce just enough for fantasy managers. Dallas doesn’t present much of a challenge on defense and Boyd should be able to generate enough volume to make him a solid start this week. However Tee Higgins and A.J. Green are too much of a risk as to the second and third options. Green looks like he has one foot out the door and has scored a goose-egg in two straight games. Higgins is a tougher decision. Higgins is the future in Cincy and he has performed above expectations. For managers in need of a flex play, Higgins is a shot in the dark because of the easy matchup.
-Marc Salazar (@dingwog on Twitter)