Fantasy football managers across the globe are already preparing for their 2025 drafts, and few teams ignite as much discussion and debate as the Dallas Cowboys. Known for their iconic brand, explosive offenses, and dramatic primetime games, the Cowboys are once again a focal point for fantasy football experts. But this year, the consensus among the top analysts is clear: despite the allure of the star on the helmet, only a handful of Dallas players are worth serious consideration in your fantasy lineup. In fact, most of the roster carries more risk than reward, and failing to filter wisely could be the difference between championship glory and a frustrating flop of a season.
Leading the shortlist of fantasy-relevant Cowboys is wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who enters 2025 as a bonafide WR1. Lamb has emerged as not just the best offensive weapon on Dallas, but one of the premier receivers in the league. After a 2024 campaign that saw him break career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, Lamb is projected as a top-five fantasy wideout. He’s the kind of player who can anchor your receiving corps and swing matchups on his own. Analysts point to his target share, route-running precision, and explosive YAC (yards after catch) ability as unmatched in the Cowboys’ offense. Even with occasional coverage-shifting from defenses, Lamb’s chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott remains a cornerstone of the team’s offensive identity. Simply put, if you’re not considering Lamb by the middle of the first round in PPR leagues, you’re doing it wrong.
Speaking of Prescott, his value in fantasy circles is far more polarizing. While some cling to the idea of a “bounce-back” season, most experts are advising caution. Prescott’s inconsistency, particularly in the red zone and against top-tier defenses, has limited his fantasy upside. Despite putting up respectable total yardage numbers in 2024, his fantasy production was uneven week-to-week, creating volatility that left many managers scrambling. His rushing floor is no longer what it once was, and with Dallas leaning toward a more balanced, conservative approach offensively under new coordinator Byron Leftwich, Prescott doesn’t offer the elite ceiling of quarterbacks in his ADP (Average Draft Position) range like Anthony Richardson or Kyler Murray. He’s viewed more as a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 — suitable in two-quarterback or superflex formats, but not a cornerstone in single-QB redraft leagues.
Perhaps the most surprising takeaway from the fantasy expert consensus is the cautious outlook on the Cowboys’ backfield. Gone are the days of Ezekiel Elliott in his prime, and 2024’s run-by-committee approach yielded more confusion than clarity. Tony Pollard departed in free agency after a disappointing season where he never quite looked like the game-breaker many hoped he would become. That leaves the Cowboys with a muddled backfield entering 2025, featuring second-year back Deuce Vaughn, recent acquisition Tyler Allgeier, and rookie fourth-rounder Kadin Remy from Michigan State. Of the trio, Allgeier is currently projected as the early-down favorite, but he’s not expected to be a workhorse. Vaughn offers intrigue in PPR leagues as a pass-catching option, but his limited size caps his touches, especially in the red zone. As for Remy, while his college tape shows explosiveness and upside, he’s a developmental piece more than an immediate contributor.
The result is a fantasy quagmire: too many mouths to feed, no clear RB1, and an offensive line that is aging and showing signs of decline. Most experts advise steering clear of the Dallas backfield entirely unless you’re targeting Allgeier or Vaughn in the late rounds as speculative flex plays or handcuffs. In standard scoring leagues, there are simply better, more reliable options available in the same draft range.
Another player generating buzz — and scrutiny — is tight end Jake Ferguson. After a solid 2024 season that placed him in the top 10 for tight end receptions and red-zone targets, Ferguson is climbing draft boards. However, his ceiling is still in question. Fantasy analysts warn that while Ferguson offers a decent floor due to his volume, especially in a scheme that favors quick-release throws, he’s not a true difference-maker at the position. He lacks the elite athleticism of someone like Kyle Pitts or the route-running savvy of Travis Kelce, but he’s a dependable chain-mover who could provide weekly TE1 value in the right matchup. He’s the kind of player you settle for if you miss out on the elite tier — not someone to build your strategy around, but someone who can quietly deliver 8–12 points most weeks in a full-PPR setup. His role in the red zone keeps him on the fantasy radar, but don’t reach.
The Cowboys defense and special teams unit, once a fantasy darling due to its turnover production and explosive return game, also comes with warning labels in 2025. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s departure to the Washington Commanders has shifted the team’s defensive identity, and the unit is expected to undergo some growing pains. While Micah Parsons remains a generational talent and Trevon Diggs returns from injury, the overall cohesion and playmaking potential have dipped. In 2024, the defense saw a noticeable drop in sacks and takeaways, particularly against top-10 offenses. Unless you’re streaming defenses based on matchup or drafting late, most fantasy experts suggest looking elsewhere. Dallas could still feast on weaker offenses, but they’re no longer the set-it-and-forget-it defense of years past.
