Sunday Night Showdown Slate Article- Cowboys at Saints

The Cowboys visit the Saints in an intriguing match-up that has a game total of 47 and the Cowboys favored by 2.5.  Last year the Saints were a funnel defense, but this year they can’t stop the run or the pass.  The Cowboys Top 5 offense will likely have their way with them.  Dak Prescott has been a surprise fantasy stud this year having put up 23, 28, and 36 DK points in his first three games. The Saints have been lit up by Watson, Goff, and Wilson the first three weeks, so we can expect another huge game for Prescott.  Usually I favor wide receivers and runningbacks when it comes to the Captain spot, because of their higher ceiling, but Dak’s rushing ability added to his passing prowess this year, he will be one of those guys I will feature in the Captain spot.

Prescott’s main target is Amari Cooper who has at least one touchdown in each of his first two games.  He will draw shadow coverage from Marshon Lattimore, which in years past would be a very bad thing, but this year he is having some struggles, so I am not afraid of having a large exposure to Cooper paired with Prescott.  I will also feature Cooper in my Captain spot.

If you have read my column the last couple of years you know how much I like to target Saints slot corner PJ Williams.  The lucky recipient this week is Randall Cobb who has gotten the playing time (74%), targets (15), and production (11 catches for 116 and a td).  Last week Cobb had a long touchdown called back due to a holding penalty.  The $7,000 price tag is extremely enticing and actually a sneaky play is to have Cobb in the Captain spot on some teams, which will not be popular.

Zeke Elliott is now through his own personal preseason games and at his full volume the last two weeks with 42 carries and breaking the 100 yard barrier in both.  Also, a threat to catch passes, Zeke is a must play and should be owned in the Captain spot on between 25-30% of your teams as the Saints have given up the 8^th most rushing yards so far and game script favors heavy volume for Zeke.

Devin Smith was disappointing last week, but the Cowboys just didn’t need him. I will own him again this week as Gallup is still out and he will be the other outside receiver besides Cooper.

The other side of the ball is not nearly as loaded with great options as Teddy has turned the Saints into a short passing game team.  This is fine for Thomas and Kamara, but bad for Ted Ginn.

Bridgewater peppered Thomas with targets in the Rams game after he took over for injured Brees and then 7 more last week.  The Cowboys secondary has been average this season so far and Thomas will get coverage from all three defensive backs Byron Jones, Anthony Brown, and Chidobe Awuzie none of which will cause him any problems.  Certainly a volume play and a whopping $2,600 cheaper than Kamara.

Speaking of Kamara, he is just one of the most talented players in the NFL and he has shown that again so far this season. Last week he was sensational tallying 69 rushing yards, 9 catches for 92 yards, and a touchdown each on the ground and through the air.  There is nothing not to like about Kamara, except for his price, which is the highest on the board.  Still, I cant imagine not having any exposure with his massive upside.

One low dollar punt play I think you can own on a few rosters is Taysom Hill who Sean Payton insists on making a part of this offense.  Hill is likely to get a few carries, of which might include goaline work and a touchdown would smash his price.  If for some reason Teddy gets hurt, Hill would back him up and have quarterback duties, which would instantly turn him into a must own for $2,600.  Likely he will put up 3-8 DK points, but has potential to do more.

If you either are desperate for a low dollar play or are a gluten for punishment then you could own Jared Cook.  I really thought he would be a bottom end TE1 this year (which wouldn’t have to be that good), but he has been non-existent.  I still gave him a chance last week with Teddy’s short game passing, but still no.  The Cowboys have given up the third most DK points to tight ends this year, so there is a chance that Cook gets involved, so I will own him, but there is also a chance he goes m.i.a. again.

A few initial rosters I like:

Captain- Elliott, Prescott, Thomas, Cook, Smith, T Hill

Captain- Prescott, Cooper, Cobb, Thomas, T Hill, Lutz

Captain- Cooper, Prescott, Thomas, Cook, Smith, Mayer

Captain- Cobb, Kamara, Thomas, Prescott, Maher, T Hill

 

QB:

Prescott $11,200

Taysom Hill $2,600

 

RB:

Kamara $11,800

Elliott $11,600

 

WR:

Cooper $10,200

Thomas $9,200

Cobb $7,000

D Smith $5,200

 

TE:

Witten $5,800

Cook $4,400

 

K:

Mayer $3,800

Lutz $3,600

 

DEF:

Cowboys $4,000