Nailing unsettled running back rooms is crucial in all fantasy formats. They are often the best source of unexpected value and where the costliest draft mistakes happen.
RELATED: Dig into the Kansas City backfield here.
Redraft managers: Use this series to get familiar with the league’s most ambiguous depth charts as training camps kick off so you will know exactly what developments to watch for in the weeks before draft day. Just remember, these situations can flip fast once the pads go on.
Best Ball players: You do not have the luxury to wait for camps to bring clarity. The actionable insight you need to navigate the league's trickiest backfields TODAY is right here.
Next up is the Dallas Cowboys who might have the murkiest backfield in the entire league.
What's at Stake
The best-case scenario here is for one running back to separate from the herd and deliver low-end RB2 production.
A top-10 or top-15 finish for a Dallas running back is within reach if Brian Schottenheimer's offense stays on schedule, but that means overlooking major red flags: questionable talent, a shaky offensive line, and a defense that could continue to force the offense off script.
If you haven't already read Jason Wood's breakdown of Schottenheimer's offense, do it. It's essential before drafting any Cowboy not named CeeDee Lamb.
Let's also be clear—this team couldn't run the ball last year. They ranked:
- 30th in EPA per rush (expected points added per rush quantifies whether a rush attempt increased or decreased a team's chances of scoring on a drive).
- 27th in rushing yards.
- Dead last in rushing touchdowns.
Somehow, Rico Dowdle still managed to finish as the RB22, which is likely the ceiling for any back in this bargain-bin committee.
Sorting the Dallas Cowboys Running Backs
Let's examine the players in this backfield and determine who we should focus on and who we can safely overlook.
Javonte Williams Is the Frontrunner But Tread Carefully
Dallas showed intent by giving Williams the largest contract in their backfield (even if only $1 million is guaranteed) and letting Dowdle leave in free agency for Carolina. He rarely fumbles and is one of the league's best pass-blocking backs, which tends to earn coaches' trust and playing time.
But before you get too far ahead of your skis, his efficiency was dreadful. Among 46 running backs with at least 100 carries in 2024, Williams ranked:
- 40th in EPA per rush
- 37th in rushing yards
- 38th in yards after contact
- 38th in success rate
- 38th in explosive play rate
If you're drafting him for upside, you're banking on a full rebound from a potential career-ending knee injury that derailed his early-career promise. At 25, it's still possible, but the injury excuse is wearing thin.
It's more likely this is just who he is now: a replacement-level grinder who offers little beyond three yards and a puff of turf.
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