In consecutive weeks, Dallas lost its two best offensive players - receiver Dez Bryant and quarterback Tony Romo. With Brandon Weeden expected to start in Romo's place, expect a heavy emphasis on the running game - Dallas still boasts a strong offensive line and a deep backfield. With a Week 3 home game looming against the Atlanta Falcons, let's examine which Dallas running backs offer value to prospective DFS owners. Please note that all stats are through the first two weeks of the season.
Joseph Randle (34 carries for 116 yards; 4 receptions for 56 yards)
Randle has dominated the Dallas backfield in terms of carries, so he represents the safest pick. With four receptions, he at least offers the threat of being a receiving option, though Lance Dunbar (who we'll get to later) has carved out a niche as the passing down back. At Randle's price point in most DFS games, it's difficult to find players who can be considered every down backs; the disappointing Lamar Miller, who is nursing an injury this week, best fits that bill.
As long as the game stays close, Randle is the man you want from the Dallas backfield. However, it's not too hard to imagine a scenario where an interception or two from Weeden and a long score from Julio Jones dooms the Cowboys to an early deficit, thus putting Dallas in catch-up mode and relegating Randle to the bench in favor of Dunbar.
Verdict: NO DEAL (Randle's fairly priced)
Lance Dunbar (1 carry for 8 yards; 11 catches for 115 yards)
When Dunbar lines up in the backfield, the Cowboys aren't fooling anyone - the play call is going to be a pass. Dunbar is only worth considering in PPR-scoring tournament play formats, where he offers sneaky upside at his bargain price. Not just limited to catching checkdowns, Dunbar was split out wide on two occasions in Week 2, with one of those plays going for a 39 yard reception down the sideline.
Again, in tournament play where PPR-scoring is applied, Dunbar is worth taking a gamble on while you fill your team with bigger, more expensive names, especially in a week where Dallas could easily have to resort to throwing the ball to catch up.
Verdict: DEAL (in PPR-scoring formats only)
Darren McFadden (16 carries for 47 yards; 3 catches for 40 yards)
While second among Dallas backs in total touches, McFadden doesn't really have a defined role. He'd likely see more rushing work were Randle to get injured (and with the way Dallas' season has been going, don't rule that out) but for now, he's nothing more than a backup. He's more expensive than Dunbar in most DFS games as well, making it tough to imagine why he'd ever be selected over either of his teammates.
Verdict: NO DEAL
