TNF: Cowboys vs. Giants Fantasy Start/Sit Guide - Unlocking Week 1's Winning Lineup
Is the Cowboys vs. Giants Thursday Night Football matchup a fantasy football goldmine or a trap? This week, we're diving deep into the key players to start and sit for your Week 1 lineups, helping you make the most of this primetime showdown.
Editor Note: The Cowboys vs. Giants TNF game is set for Thursday, September 7th, and is sure to be a clash of NFC East rivals. This game has fantasy relevance for many, and knowing which players to target will be crucial for a successful week.
This game is important for fantasy owners because it's the season opener, and it offers a chance to get a head start on the competition. The Cowboys and Giants boast several key players in the fantasy landscape, including:
- Cowboys: Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup
- Giants: Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard
Analysis: We've crunched the numbers, analyzed past performances, and scrutinized the recent news to bring you a comprehensive start/sit guide. Our analysis factors in:
- Player health and availability: Injuries are always a concern, and this is especially true on a short week.
- Matchup: Are players facing favorable or challenging defenses?
- Offensive and defensive schemes: How do the game plans of both teams affect player roles and production?
Key Takeaways:
| Category | Start | Sit |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Dak Prescott (DAL) | Daniel Jones (NYG) |
| Running Back | Saquon Barkley (NYG) | Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) |
| Wide Receiver | CeeDee Lamb (DAL) | Darius Slayton (NYG) |
| Tight End |
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott:
- Introduction: Prescott enters the season with a clean bill of health and a potent offense.
- Key Aspects: Expected to be a top-five fantasy quarterback, his passing volume and potential for rushing scores make him a must-start.
- Discussion: Facing a Giants defense that struggled against quarterbacks in 2022, Prescott has the potential for a big week.
Ezekiel Elliott:
- Introduction: While Pollard's emergence has changed Elliott's role, he remains a key part of the Cowboys offense.
- Key Aspects: Likely to see a decent workload, but his ceiling is limited due to Pollard's presence and the potential for a run-heavy game script.
- Discussion: Elliott's role in the passing game could be crucial, especially if the Cowboys fall behind.
Tony Pollard:
- Introduction: Pollard is a dynamic playmaker and a true threat for touchdowns.
- Key Aspects: His explosive rushing ability makes him a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option.
- Discussion: Expect Pollard to be a key factor in the Cowboys' offensive success, making him a solid start in PPR formats.
CeeDee Lamb:
- Introduction: Lamb is a true WR1 and a key target for Prescott.
- Key Aspects: He has the potential for big yardage and touchdowns, making him a top-five fantasy wide receiver this week.
- Discussion: Lamb's target share and red zone presence make him a must-start in all formats.
Michael Gallup:
- Introduction: Gallup is a solid WR2 with upside potential.
- Key Aspects: He's likely to see a reduced target share with Lamb leading the way, but he can provide value if he finds the end zone.
- Discussion: Gallup is a risky start this week, especially if he doesn't show signs of returning to his pre-injury form.
New York Giants
Daniel Jones:
- Introduction: Jones has shown flashes of brilliance but remains a risky fantasy quarterback.
- Key Aspects: He could be vulnerable against a Cowboys defense known for its pass rush.
- Discussion: Jones is a risky start in Week 1, especially considering the Cowboys' defense and his own inconsistencies.
Saquon Barkley:
- Introduction: Barkley is a true workhorse and a potential game-changer.
- Key Aspects: He has a great chance for a big week against a Cowboys defense that struggles to contain running backs.
- Discussion: Barkley is a must-start in all formats and could be a top-three fantasy running back this week.
Darius Slayton:
- Introduction: Slayton's role in the Giants offense is uncertain.
- Key Aspects: He's unlikely to be a consistent fantasy contributor, especially with the emergence of other pass catchers.
- Discussion: Slayton is a risky start and could be a better option on your bench.
Sterling Shepard:
- Introduction: Shepard is a solid WR2 but faces an uphill battle against a strong Cowboys secondary.
- Key Aspects: His role as a reliable target for Jones makes him a potential fantasy contributor.
- Discussion: Shepard is a risky start this week, and his production may be limited.
FAQ
Introduction: This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the Cowboys vs. Giants fantasy matchup.
Q&A:
- Q: Is this game a good opportunity for a breakout performance from a Cowboys wide receiver other than Lamb? A: While the Cowboys have depth at wide receiver, Lamb's target share makes it unlikely that another player will have a breakout performance this week.
- Q: Should I start Dak Prescott against the Giants' defense? A: Prescott is a must-start given his talent and the Giants' weakness against quarterbacks.
- Q: Is it worth starting Ezekiel Elliott over Saquon Barkley? A: Barkley is a clear start due to his volume and upside potential. Elliott's role is less defined, and his ceiling is likely lower.
- Q: Will the Giants' offense be able to keep up with the Cowboys? A: The Giants' offense has potential but is facing a tough matchup against a strong Cowboys defense.
- Q: Should I expect a high-scoring game? A: The Cowboys have a potent offense, while the Giants' offense is more unpredictable. The game could be a high-scoring affair, but a lower-scoring game is also possible.
- Q: Who are the best waiver wire targets for this game? A: Keep an eye on the Cowboys' wide receivers (beyond Lamb) and the Giants' tight ends.
Summary:
This week's TNF matchup between the Cowboys and Giants presents a compelling fantasy landscape, with some must-starts and some risky plays. Focus on the Cowboys' offensive weapons and Saquon Barkley in the Giants' backfield.
Closing Message:
The Cowboys vs. Giants TNF game is a crucial opportunity to start the fantasy season strong. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this guide, you can make informed decisions about your roster and maximize your chances of success. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and good luck!
