The Dallas Cowboys want to get back to the running the ball the way they did in 2014, when DeMarco Murray led the NFL with 1,845 yards. They might not have that success, but with the offensive line and their running backs they have a chance to have the best run game in the NFL.
ESPN Fantasy projection: 269.5 carries, 1,173.5 yards, 8.4 touchdowns
Over or under: Elliott has been limited in camp because of a sore hamstring, but he is expected to return to practice soon and get at least some action in the preseason. How the Cowboys have treated this injury speaks to how he will be used this year. Go with the over on carries and yards, but I don’t believe he will come close to what Murray did in 2014: 392 carries, 1,845 yards, 13 touchdowns. The Cowboys had eight rushing touchdowns as a team last year. I’m not sure Elliott will reach that total because of the return to health of Tony Romo and Dez Bryant.
ESPN Fantasy projection: 52.8 carries, 210.6 yards, 1.4 touchdowns
Over or under: In his two years as offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan has mostly featured one back. He hasn’t shown the ability to share carries. McFadden had 1,089 yards last year despite limited work in the first five games. He suffered a broken elbow that will keep him out of the preseason. Given how Alfred Morris has performed with the extra work in practice and his fit in the scheme, go with the under on McFadden.
Alfred Morris
ESPN Fantasy projection: 85.4 carries, 357.9 yards, 4.2 touchdowns
Over or under: Morris has looked better than advertised this summer. He looks to have more bounce and burst to his game than he showed last year in Washington. If something were to happen to Elliott, I believe he would be the top back. The Cowboys won’t have a 50-50 split, but Morris projects to have more carries and yards. The touchdowns could be a push.
ESPN Fantasy projection: 5.6 carries, 22.3 yards, 0.1 touchdowns
Over or under: When Dunbar suffered a torn patellar tendon and anterior cruciate ligament in in the fourth game of last season, he had five carries for 67 yards and 21 catches for 215 yards. He has made a quick recovery and could be ready for the season opener. The Cowboys like him as a third-down back and Romo trusts him. Go with the over.
