The Cowboys have quietly put together a solid season, dropping only one game by double digits. Despite missing key playmaker CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott has found rhythm with new favorite targets George Pickens and Jake Ferguson. Meanwhile, the Panthers, though young and still finding their footing, have shown promise.
Their emerging offensive core is starting to click, but they’ll have their hands full against a veteran Cowboys squad hungry to keep their NFC playoff push alive.
This matchup features two teams trending in opposite directions: the Cowboys pushing toward contention, and the Panthers building toward consistency. For fantasy managers, there are several intriguing plays and a few clear fades. Let’s dive into this week’s Start ‘Em / Sit ‘Em breakdown.
🔥 Start ‘Em
Dak Prescott – QB, Cowboys
Dak has quietly been a top-10 fantasy QB despite missing his WR1. He’s showing great chemistry with Pickens and Ferguson, and he’s been efficient in the red zone. Expect multiple touchdowns this week and around 250+ passing yards against a Panthers defense that’s struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
George Pickens – WR, Cowboys
All Pickens needed was stability under center, and he’s thriving with Dak. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches gives him WR2 upside with a high ceiling in this matchup. Expect a few big chunk plays and potential end-zone action.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Javonte Williams – RB, Cowboys
Williams has established himself as a steady RB2 with solid volume. He’s been getting goal-line work and should find success against a Panthers defense allowing over 4.5 yards per carry. Pencil him in for 80+ total yards and a score.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥🔥
Jake Ferguson – TE, Cowboys
Ferguson continues to be one of Dak’s most trusted targets, particularly in the red zone. With tight end depth thin in fantasy this year, Ferguson is a reliable weekly starter who could post 5–6 catches and a touchdown here.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥🔥
💪 Rico Dowdle – RB, Cowboys
Dowdle came in last week and exploded for 200 total yards. While that performance will be hard to repeat, he’s earned himself a steady role moving forward. Dowdle is a great RB2 or Flex play this week.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🔥 Start ‘Em (Panthers)
Tet McMillan – WR, Panthers
The rookie wideout just keeps proving himself. McMillan has lived up to the hype, showing elite route running and dependable hands. Expect another strong performance as the Panthers look to move the chains through the air.
Start Meter: 🔥🔥🔥
Sleeper 🌙
KaVontae Turpin (WR/KR, Cowboys)
Turpin is the definition of a boom-or-bust play. His elite speed makes him a threat to score any time he touches the ball, whether on offense or special teams. In deeper leagues or DFS formats, he’s worth a dart throw.
Start Meter: 🌙🌙🌙
Sleeper – Xavier Legette – WR, Panthers
Legette flashed last week with 30+ yards and a touchdown. If the Panthers fall behind early (which is likely), expect more volume his way. He’s an intriguing deep-league flex with momentum on his side.
Start Meter: 🌙🌙🌙
🚫 Sit ‘Em
Panthers Defense
This is not the week to roll with Carolina’s D. They’ve struggled to stop both the run and the pass, allowing big plays to offenses far less explosive than Dallas. Expect 24+ points allowed and limited sack opportunities.
Sit Meter: 💀💀💀💀💀
Tommy Tremble – TE, Panthers
The athleticism is there, but the production isn’t. Tremble has gone quiet the last few weeks, and his target share just isn’t high enough to trust him in fantasy lineups.
Sit Meter: 💀💀💀💀
📊 Projected Fantasy Stats
| Player | Pos | Projection |
| Dak Prescott | QB | 265 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| George Pickens | WR | 6 REC, 89 YDS, 1 TD |
| Jake Ferguson | TE | 5 REC, 47 YDS, 1 TD |
| Javonte Williams | RB | 82 YDS, 1 TD, 2 REC, 18 YDS |
| Rico Dowdle | RB | 95 TOTAL YDS |
| Tet McMillan | WR | 5 REC, 72 YDS |
| Xavier Leggete | WR | 4 REC, 45 YDS, 1 TD |
| KeVontae Turpin | WR/KR | 70 TOTAL YDS, Return TD potential |
| Panthers Defense | DEF | 0 SACKS, 0 IN |
🏁 Wrap-Up
The Cowboys should control this matchup with balance and efficiency. Dak and Pickens will continue their budding connection, while Rico Dowdle provides a strong ground game to complement it. The Panthers have talent but are outmatched in the trenches. Fantasy managers should load up on Cowboys starters this week: this could easily turn into a Dallas fantasy feast.
