Sit/Start Week 16: Reviewing All the Fantasy Relevant Players In Every Single Game

Cowboys at Eagles

 

Game Info

Kickoff: Sunday, December 22nd at 4:25 pm ET

Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

Betting Odds: DAL -2.5, 46 Total via Oddsshark

Network: FOX

Sleeper Spotlight: NA

 

Dallas Cowboys

 

Quarterback:

• Dak Prescott (Start/QB2, Injury Concerns)

 

The last few weeks for Dak Prescott have been tough for the Cowboys quarterback. He has finished as a QB2 or worse in three of the last four games, after just two such performances in his first eleven games. Add to this injury concerns, Prescott had an MRI on his left shoulder Tuesday and has been limited in practice. Dak has historically been a tough player, he hasn’t missed a game in his career. I wouldn’t expect him to miss the biggest game of the year but the Cowboys are likely to play conservative football and run the ball. Outside of Two-QB or Superflex leagues, this is a week Dak should be on your bench. 

 

Running Backs: 

• Ezekiel Elliott (Start/RB1)
• Tony Pollard (Sit)

 

Often it isn’t pretty but Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has managed to produce for fantasy owners week after week. Last week was his strongest performance and they just continue to build, hinting that he may close out the season on a high note. The Eagles have been up and down defending the run and pass-catchers out of the backfield but heavy expected workload should be enough push Zeke into a top-12 week. 

 

Backup running back had his third big game of the season, always in garbage time when the team has a big lead. Pollard is an explosive back with great vision and a solid chance of pace to Zeke but the team hasn’t given Pollard enough carries in close games to warrant a start. He just cannot be trusted this weekend. 

 

Wide Receivers / Tight Ends:

• Amari Cooper (Start/WR2)
• Michael Gallup (Start/Flex)
• Randall Cobb (Sit)
• Jason Witten (Start/TE Premium)

 

Not many changes as the seasons stack up for Amari Cooper. He is frustrating to own because he is highly inconsistent. Cooper has given us as many WR3 performances, five, as WR1 performances, four. Matchups seem to mean little also as he has big performances regardless of competition or he can sometimes be shut down by a tough defender. But we can look at historical performance against the Eagles, a team he has torched twice since becoming a Cowboy. Expect the Cowboys to lean heavily on its top wideout, who should be in line for a startable week. If you need a high upside play, Cooper is the man. 

 

Michael Gallup is a flex play but nothing more this weekend. In recent weeks Gallup has not enjoyed many big plays, the hallmark of his game, and he has struggled to produce. However, Gallup is a high upside flex who always seems to come up big in the biggest games so if you are desperate for a receiver then consider Gallup. Veteran receiver Randall Cobb is just too inconsistent to recommend as a fantasy start. 

 

Elder statesman Jason Witten came back to the team this year and has enjoyed a solid campaign. Witten can’t be projected for much more than 40 yards receiving and hope of a touchdown but you could do worse at the position. Witten’s value is almost all on the touchdown and if you are an owner who can start multiple tight ends or play in a tight end premium scoring system, Witten is a decent option this weekend. 

 

Philadelphia Eagles

 

Quarterbacks: 

• Carson Wentz (Start/QB1)

 

These past few weeks from Carson Wentz have been remarkable. While some of his play is up and down, overall he has been a great fantasy option with almost nothing at the receiver position. This week he faces a Dallas team that has been exploited in recent weeks. Wentz is getting it done with what he’s been given and he has thrown for multiple touchdowns for three straight games. Expect more of the same this weekend, in a tough fought game.     

 

Running Backs: 

• Miles Sanders (Start/RB1)

 

In recent weeks, as his playing time has increased, Eagles running back Miles Sanders has taken advantage. Sanders had his first 100-yard performance of his career last week and has received double-digit opportunities for six straight weeks. With Jordan Howard expected to miss another game, the team will lean heavily on Sanders, against a Cowboys defense that is solid but not spectacular defending the run.      

 

Wide Receivers / Tight Ends: 

• Nelson Agholor (Sit/Check injury status)
• Greg Ward (Sit)
• Zach Ertz (Start/TE1)
• Dallas Goedert (Start/TE1)

 

The Eagles have gotten by with a whos who of receivers for weeks now and last week Greg Ward had himself a solid game. The small slot type of receivers have given the Cowboys fits all year but Ward cannot be recommended as a play except for the most desperate of owners. Starter Nelson Agholor is expected to miss another game, so Wentz will need to work his magic with players many owners are not familiar with. 

 

What the Eagles lack in receivers they make up for at the tight end position. The duo of Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert have accounted for sixteen TE1 performances on the season, and both players are inside the Top-12 in fantasy scoring on the year. The Cowboys have been below average defending the position, including five touchdowns on the year. Both tight ends are strong plays this weekend as the Eagles will certainly attack the Cowboys with the strength of their offense. Expect at least one touchdown from the duo.  

-Marc Salazar (@dingwog)