Fantasy: 2019 Projections - Will Prescott, Cooper keep starring for Cowboys?
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With training camps approaching, theScore's Justin Boone is releasing his offensive projections for all 32 teams, including his thoughts on every fantasy-relevant player.
Projections are based on the following point values in PPR leagues:
- Passing Yards: 1 point per 25 yards
- Passing TDs: 4 points
- Interceptions: -2 points
- Rushing Yards: 1 point per 10 yards
- Rushing TDs: 6 points
- Receptions: 1 point
- Receiving Yards: 1 point per 10 yards
- Receiving TDs: 6 points
- Fumbles Lost: -2 points
- Two-point Conversions: 2 points
AFC East
NE | BUF | NYJ | MIA
NFC West
LAR | SF | SEA | ARI
AFC North
BAL | CIN | PIT | CLE
NFC South
ATL | NO | CAR | TB
AFC West
DEN | KC | OAK
NFC East
DAL | PHI
| Fantasy Points | 276.18 |
|---|---|
| Attempts | 515 |
| Completions | 349 |
| Pass Yards | 3862 |
| Pass TDs | 24 |
| INTs | 9 |
| Carries | 63 |
| Rush Yards | 297 |
| Rush TDs | 4 |
| Fumbles Lost | 5 |
| 2PT | 0 |
Prescott was the QB23 across the first half of the 2018 season, but he posted the sixth-most fantasy points among passers over the final two months after Amari Cooper joined the team. That means Prescott's ceiling has to be adjusted, especially when you factor in his underrated rushing production. He's an incredible value selection at his current ADP - in the 12th round as the 17th quarterback off the board.
Quarterback depth: Cooper Rush and Mike White are uninspiring options behind Prescott. And while we certainly don't want to see Prescott miss time, can we take a moment to daydream about a scenario where new offensive coordinator and former Cowboys backup Kellen Moore, who's just 30 years old, is called into action as a player-coach?
Ezekiel Elliott, RB| Fantasy Points | 348.4 |
|---|---|
| Carries | 301 |
| Rush Yards | 1426 |
| Rush TDs | 9 |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 |
| Targets | 95 |
| Receptions | 73 |
| Rec. Yards | 548 |
| Rec. TDs | 4 |
| 2PT | 1 |
Elliott is one of the premier backs in fantasy, but he carries more risk than the other members of the elite tier - Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, and Alvin Kamara. Zeke has a well-documented history of off-field issues that could eventually lead to another suspension, while reports have swirled that he may hold out if he doesn't get a new contract before the season. We don't need to get overly worried yet, but McCaffrey is now ahead of him in my rankings and Kamara might soon follow.
Tony Pollard, RB| Fantasy Points | 81.3 |
|---|---|
| Carries | 42 |
| Rush Yards | 238 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 |
| Targets | 28 |
| Receptions | 23 |
| Rec. Yards | 245 |
| Rec. TDs | 2 |
| 2PT | 0 |
Zeke is a workhorse, which normally limits the Cowboys' No. 2 back to being a pure handcuff. However, the dynamic Pollard could alter that trend if Dallas realizes the value of his explosiveness. At worst, Pollard should see an immediate role on special teams with a chance for significant touches if Elliott isn't in the lineup due to injury or any of the other reasons outlined above.
Running back depth: Mike Weber and Darius Jackson also have an opportunity to emerge as the top backup, but Weber was selected three rounds after Pollard and Jackson was cut by the Cowboys last season before they eventually brought him back. Pollard has the draft-capital and talent advantages over his competition.
Amari Cooper, WR| Fantasy Points | 253.6 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 129 |
| Receptions | 87 |
| Rec. Yards | 1167 |
| Rec. TDs | 8 |
| Carries | 2 |
| Rush Yards | 19 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| 2PT | 0 |
In his nine regular-season outings with the Cowboys, Cooper was on pace for 94 receptions, 1,289 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Though we're dialing those totals back slightly with his 2019 projections, a top-10 fantasy season is well within reach for the 25-year-old, who's broken 1,000 yards in three of his four NFL campaigns.
Michael Gallup, WR| Fantasy Points | 129.3 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 72 |
| Receptions | 43 |
| Rec. Yards | 623 |
| Rec. TDs | 4 |
| Carries | 0 |
| Rush Yards | 0 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| 2PT | 0 |
Whether it was Cooper drawing attention to the other side of the field or a natural rookie progression, Gallup's numbers improved as the 2018 season went along. He's an exciting young talent, but don't let yourself get too caught up in the highlight-reel grabs. At the end of the day, Cooper's presence caps Gallup's fantasy upside.
Randall Cobb, WR| Fantasy Points | 96.4 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 61 |
| Receptions | 42 |
| Rec. Yards | 424 |
| Rec. TDs | 2 |
| Carries | 0 |
| Rush Yards | 0 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| 2PT | 0 |
Cobb is still a very recognizable name in the fantasy community even if his impact was minimal over the last few seasons. Injuries appeared to have caught up with the 28-year-old as he fizzled out in Green Bay. In Dallas, Cobb will be asked to replace Cole Beasley's slot duties, which comes with a very low fantasy ceiling. He's a smart pickup for the Cowboys, but you should let another fantasy manager overpay for past production.
Receiver depth: Allen Hurns is recovering from a broken leg suffered in January and Tavon Austin has never developed into a reliable NFL weapon. Both veterans can contribute in short relief stints, but they won't warrant a spot on fantasy rosters at any point this year.
Jason Witten, TE| Fantasy Points | 72.8 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 41 |
| Receptions | 29 |
| Rec. Yards | 258 |
| Rec. TDs | 3 |
| Carries | 0 |
| Rush Yards | 0 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 |
| 2PT | 0 |
The 37-year-old Witten is returning to the field after escaping the Monday Night Football booth. A full-time role is unlikely at this stage of his career, so expect him to split time with Blake Jarwin. Witten's best chance to help fantasy managers will be as a touchdown-dependent dart throw.
Tight end depth: After Geoff Swaim went down in Week 11, Jarwin posted the fifth-most fantasy points among tight ends the rest of the way. Even with Witten back, the Cowboys would be wise to keep Jarwin involved in the passing attack. He's worth putting on your watch list in case Witten comes up short in his comeback bid.
2019 Fantasy ProjectionsAFC East
NE | BUF | NYJ | MIA
NFC West
LAR | SF | SEA | ARI
AFC North
BAL | CIN | PIT | CLE
NFC South
ATL | NO | CAR | TB
AFC West
DEN | KC | OAK
NFC East
DAL | PHI
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