Dallas Cowboys DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks put together a solid Week 1, finishing in the top 24 receivers in the WR2 range. His touchdown was a big part of that finish, but he also saw a good bit of volume against what was expected to be a solid defensive unit in the Cleveland Browns. Now the Cowboys get a home game against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints posted a big performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, and their secondary isn't one to scoff at. Cooks should still receive close to the same target share (21.8%), but going up against Tyrann Mathieu, Paulson Adebo, and Marshon Lattimore is going to prove to be more difficult. Currently, Cooks sits in the mid-flex area since CeeDee Lamb will be the one to deal with Lattimore the most.

Updating a previous report, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) was officially listed as a non-participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day. A previous report stated that Ferguson was working out on the side, but he didn't officially take part in practice, and his status is firmly up in the air for the Week 2 contest at home against the New Orleans Saints. In addition to Ferguson, tight end John Stephens (hamstring) has also missed both practices this week. Ferguson suffered a bone bruise and MCL sprain in the Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns and is on the wrong side of questionable for this weekend's game. Fantasy managers that started Ferguson in Week 1 should have already made plans to be without him in Week 2. With both Ferguson and Stephens banged up, it's looking like Luke Schoonmaker will take on a bigger role against the Saints.

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) is working off to the side with team director of rehabilitation Britt Brown during Thursday's practice, according to Ed Werder. The third-year pro out of Wisconsin suffered a bone bruise in his left knee in the Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns, and it remains to be seen if he will suit up for the Week 2 NFC battle against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends last season, but Ferguson is unlikely to be close to 100% of he suits up. If he's out, backup tight end Luke Schoonmaker will likely play the most significant role of his career, but Ferguson's absence probably helps the outlook of wide receiver Brandin Cooks more than anyone else.

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle was involved in the team's game plan in Week 1 against the Browns but will need to improve his efficiency before becoming a fantasy player worth starting in most leagues. Dowdle saw eight carries for 26 yards in Week 1 as he alternated drives with starter Ezekiel Elliott. He did add one catch for six yards. Dowdle's 3.3 yards per carry leaves something to be desired although his usage was somewhat encouraging for his standalone value. In Week 2, expect Elliott to be the featured goal-line back. Dowdle could once again see some game time but he will need to do more with his opportunities to become fantasy-relevant. Fantasy managers with options at the position would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach with Dowdle in Week 2.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb turned in a solid day at the office in Week 1 at Cleveland but more should be expected of the talented wideout in Week 2 at home against New Orleans. Lamb was targeted 10 times and hauled in five of those passes for 61 yards in the team's 33-17 win over the Browns while adding three rushes for 25 yards. It was a decent day for Lamb who has created a high bar after setting the fantasy world aflame last season. For those just looking at the stat line, the Cowboys didn't take to the air much in the second half of Week 1. Expect more from Lamb in a home game against the Saints. The fact that he was involved with some rushes is also a good sign as he has the skill set to take an end-around to the house. Lamb should move around the formation and be involved early and often in Week 2 in what figures to be a more competitive game. Not that fantasy managers need reassurance to start a player likely drafted with a top 3 pick but Lamb should be fired up with a great deal of confidence.