FantasyPros Accuracy Award

2025 Accuracy Award Winner

Close FantasyPros Accuracy Award
Open Nav
Players
    Articles
      Shark Bites
        Show Navigation
        Show Menu
        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Ezekiel Elliott Sees Field More Than Rico Dowdle

        By Matt Schauf | Updated on Mon, Oct 14 2024 11:50 AM UTC
        Ezekiel Elliott Headshot

        Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott led Rico Dowdle in playing time (28 snaps to 29), pass routes (14-11), and carries (8-5) in Sunday's loss to the Lions. He turned that into just 17 rushing yards and 0 targets. Dowdle rushed for 25 yards (5.0 per carry) and caught five balls for 30 yards. He tied for third on the team in targets (6) and ranked second in receptions.

        2024 Fantasy Football Impact

        Two primary takeaways here:

        1. Dowdle remains the better bet for production. Elliott's just not good anymore.
        2. This remains a bad situation for Dowdle to maximize whatever his upside is.

        Whatever the reasoning for playing Elliott more than Dowdle against Detroit, it doesn't make much sense. The veteran has done nothing this season to show he should be on the field more. And Dowdle has more than doubled his target count to date (20-9).

        We knew the Detroit matchup would be one to avoid with Cowboys RBs. Now comes a Week 7 bye, but then an unfriendly road date at San Francisco.

        We included Dowdle among the Sell candidates in our Week 6 Trade Targets. You probably won't be able to sell him right now, but continue looking for opportunities to do so.

        We'll see whether Dallas uses the bye week to acquire backfield help.

        Matt Schauf Author Image
        Matt Schauf, Editor
        Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
        Video: Woody Marks and Injury Fallout Lead Week 5 Waiver Talk

        Video: Woody Marks and Injury Fallout Lead Week 5 Waiver Talk

        9:16pm UTC 9/30/25

        Woody Marks tops Week 5 waivers, but first we hit the fallout from injuries to Tyreek Hill and Malik Nabers. Plus top QB and defense streamers for the bye weeks.

        Read More »
        Waiver Wire Pickups Week 5: Did You Wait Too Long to Grab Woody Marks?

        Waiver Wire Pickups Week 5: Did You Wait Too Long to Grab Woody Marks?

        11:47am UTC 9/30/25

        Week 4 gave us a pair of breakthrough RB performances ... and a pair of killer WR injuries. Those factors plus a hot new QB candidate drive these Week 5 waiver wire targets.

        Read More »
        Streaming Defense Week 5: Grab Browns' Elite Pass Rush

        Streaming Defense Week 5: Grab Browns' Elite Pass Rush

        10:22pm UTC 9/29/25

        Need a streaming defense for Week 5? The Cleveland Browns may be a long way from Ohio, but their defense will be right at home in fantasy lineups.

        Read More »
        Money Back You have our personal money-back guarantee: If you’re not happy with our service for any reason, just reach out by December 31, 2025, and we’ll give you 100% of your subscription money back. No strings attached.  You can cancel with one-click from your account page anytime.
        Compare Plans » Compare Plans »