Dallas Cowboys fantasy outlook: Why you should target TE Jake Ferguson, more

By the time Dallas Cowboys fans read this story, it might already be irrelevant. Your fantasy draft may have already come and gone. Your selections may already be set in stone, and your initial fantasy fate may already be decided.

But for you non-eager fantasy people, maybe we can help with a couple fantasy tips for the Cowboys’ players.

Who is a must-draft player in fantasy this year? How about a player you should avoid? We cover it all in our Dallas Cowboys fantasy outlook below.

The Dallas Cowboys player you have to target in fantasy: TE Jake Ferguson

To be transparent: the idea to even do a fantasy outlook for the Cowboys arose from something I saw a few weeks ago. It was the unveiling of the top-10 tight ends in Madden 2025. Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson wasn’t on it.

That shocked me. Partly because of how Ferguson played a year ago, but also because the jump he’s expected to make in Year 3. Ferguson finished last season 71 catches for 761 yards and five touchdowns. He was also targeted 102 times — a significant jump from the 22 targets in eight games he had as a rookie.

From a fantasy perspective, Ferguson also finished as the 10th-ranked tight end a season ago. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see his ranking and his targets both jump in 2024.

Consider this: Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had 590 passing attempts last season. Among those attempts, 181 targeted star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who missed all of training camp as he pursues a new long-term extension. Could some of Prescott’s early targets go toward another candidate? Ferguson could be an option, especially as veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks deals with some knee soreness from the end of camp.

Those around the Cowboys expect Ferguson to take a jump. Fantasy owners should, too.

Dallas Cowboys fantasy X-factor: Mike Zimmer

The Dallas Cowboys had the best fantasy football defense last season from start-to-finish, according to Fantasy Pros. Dallas had a season-high 37 defensive and special teams points in a Week 1 40-0 win over the New York Giants.

There’s a big difference from last year, of course. Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is now the Washington Commanders head coach. Quinn led a group that made turnovers a commonality during his time in Dallas. Would that continue under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer?

If preseason is any indication, it looks possible.

The Cowboys’ defense generated XX turnovers in the preseason, including four in a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1.

A good fantasy defense is one that can force turnovers, just as Quinn’s group did a year ago. Could Zimmer’s unit do the same?

Dallas took a major hit to that on Saturday when the team announced that corner DaRon Bland would undergo surgery for a recently discovered stress fracture. He’s expected to be out six-to-eight weeks.

Of note: the Dallas Cowboys fantasy defense and special teams group has an average draft position of third among other units, per Fantasy Pros.

Don’t sleep on Ezekiel Elliott as a fantasy option

I know, I know. The Cowboys new — and old — veteran running back didn’t even play this preseason. The 29-year-old averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry last season in New England. Before that he averaged 3.8 yards per carry before the Cowboys released him in a cost-saving move.

How do we even know what to expect from Elliott in his return to Dallas?

It’s a great question, but I think the current draft-able floor for Elliott could be too low.

Elliott’s current average draft position is currently 36th among running backs, according to Fantasy Pros.

Despite not having the best rushing season, Elliott was a factor out of the backfield in New England’s offense. He was targeted 65 times and had 51 catches for 313 yards and two touchdowns.

That might not be the most eye-popping production, but it’s something worth noting if you’re in a big PPR league and you need a running back late. I’d expect his role in Dallas to be similar.

Dallas Cowboys player you should be cautious about in fantasy: Jalen Tolbert

This pick isn’t because Jalen Tolbert doesn’t have the potential to take a big jump in Year 3. He’s also not even being drafted very high at the moment, coming in at an average draft position of 83rd among receivers, according to Fantasy Pros.

This caveat is for those fantasy experts who know how to read the tea leaves and see a potential steal: don’t get too antsy and jump too quick by drafting Tolbert too early.

Even with CeeDee Lamb missing camp, and even with Cooks dealing with some knee soreness, Tolbert is still the third wide receiver in this group. And while he certainly could have a big year, it would be smart for fantasy owners to let him be a steal, rather than an over-drafted player.

Be patient and reap the rewards.

By the numbers: notable fantasy projections for Cowboys players

Here’s a look at the fantasy projections for Cowboys players from ESPN.

QB Dak Prescott: 4,075 yards passing, 27 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 2 rushing touchdowns

2023 PPR points: 403.2

2024 projected PPR points: 319.96

RB Ezekiel Elliott: 191 carries, 751 yards, 6 touchdowns, 32 catches, 217 yards and 1 receiving touchdown

2023 PPR points: 174.5

2024 projected PPR points: 172.58

WR CeeDee Lamb: 113 catches, 1,408 yards, 10 total touchdowns

2023 PPR points: 403.2

2024 projected PPR points: 316.96

WR Brandin Cooks: 57 catches, 668 yards, 5 touchdowns

2023 PPR points: 173.2

2024 projected PPR points: 155.6

WR Jalen Tolbert: 43 catches, 575 yards, 3 touchdowns

2023 PPR points: 58.8

2024 projected PPR points: 120.95

TE Jake Ferguson: 65 catches, 676 yards, 5 touchdowns

2023 PPR points: 177.1

2024 projected PPR points: 165.82

Cowboys D/ST

2023 PPR points: 172

2024 projected PPR points: 130.2

K Brandon Aubrey: 29/33 on field goals, 42/43 on extra points

2023 PPR points: 180

2024 projected PPR points: 142.04