Ezekiel Elliott DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott won't play on Sunday versus the Atlanta Falcons. He didn't travel with the team, with the Cowboys declaring him inactive due to disciplinary reasons. The 29-year-old hasn't been productive during the 2024-25 campaign, totaling only 149 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, meaning there aren't many who will be directly impacted by the news. Rico Dowdle (illness) will be back in the mix after missing Sunday night's meeting with the 49ers, so he'll lessen most of the blow caused by Elliott's absence. Dalvin Cook, elevated off the practice squad on Saturday, should also get some work in Week 9, although not enough to be relevant in most fantasy formats.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott led the backfield in snaps last Sunday, but his role is expected to decrease with the return of Rico Dowdle ahead of Week 9 versus the Atlanta Falcons. Dowdle missed Week 8 due to an illness but has since been removed from the injury report and should have a full workload this Sunday. With that said, Dowdle's return to the lineup isn't necessarily a death spell for Elliott. Neither of the two has been particularly impressive this season, so it's possible that the Cowboys ride the hot hand at running back even if Dowdle earns the game's first snap. Dalvin Cook, who made his season debut last week, could also earn some touches. Both Dowdle and Elliott have lower floors and ceilings this week and should be treated as fringe top-36 running back options in fantasy football.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott drew the start on Sunday night with Rico Dowdle (illness) being a late scratch. The veteran led the rushing attack with 10 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown. He added a reception for four yards in what turned out to be his best fantasy outing since Week 1. With Dowdle likely to be back next week, Elliott's fantasy relevance was likely short-lived.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott should not be considered for fantasy lineups going into Week 8's matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Elliott saw 41% of snaps in Week 6 against Detroit, but was mostly in the game due to his pass-blocking utility. The veteran has been highly inefficient on the ground this season, and San Francisco's run defense poses enough of a threat for Dallas to continue to lean on the air attack offensively. Elliott can remain on waivers in most formats.

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott saw eight carries in the blowout loss to Detroit. Elliott only gained 17 yards, rushing at an abysmal 2.1 yards per carry against the tough Lions' front. He saw no passing game usage, severely limiting both his fantasy floor and ceiling. Elliott was severely outplayed by Rico Dowdle, who gained 5.0 yards per carry and also saw receiving usage. The 29-year-old is not a usable fantasy option and can safely be dropped in all formats heading into Dallas' bye week.