Over/Under: 47.00
Cowboys Implied Team Total: 26.00
Seahawks Implied Team Total: 21.00
When the Dallas Cowboys (8-6) face off with the Seattle Seahawks (8-6) in Week 15, it's a must-win scenario for two teams with dwindling playoff odds. While neither organization is statistically eliminated from the postseason, a loss here (or an Atlanta Falcons victory earlier in the day) would surely signify the end of such aspirations.
This game has shootout potential and could very well prove to be the most exciting contest of the week, but a certain player's return to the Cowboys' lineup is grabbing all the headlines.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
FanDuel Price: $8,300
It's been a long six weeks for Cowboys fans, but Ezekiel Elliott's suspension is finally over, and he'll be back on the field this weekend. Yes, head coach Jason Garrett is playing coy about how big a workload his stud running back will receive, but Jerry Jones isn't interested in such subtlety.
Jerry Jones’ hopes for Ezekiel Elliott’s workload in this first game back? “Let him get into it. Let him get the carries.” #cowboyswire
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) December 19, 2017
Suffice it to say, I'm confident Elliott will enjoy significant volume against a Seahawks defense that Todd Gurley shredded for 180 total yards and 4 total touchdowns a week ago. This contest could be a high-scoring affair, and Elliott should be heavily involved as both a runner and receiver.
The sophomore can be started for RB6 cost this week, which may not seem like a great deal at face value, but this is an All-Pro, game-changing talent we're talking about. The potential reward is worth the investment.
Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks
FanDuel Price: $7,300
If you started Doug Baldwin last week, you're probably still a little salty after his one-catch, six-yard performance. That sentiment is totally fair. After all, he's under-performed for much of the last month. However, a lot of that has to do with facing top-12 pass defenses in three of his last five contests. With that said, he should bounce back in a big way this weekend against a Cowboys defense that has surrendered the fifth-most FanDuel points per contest (29.7) to opposing wideouts.
Yes, Baldwin's numbers are down a bit from what we've seen over the last two seasons, but the veteran remains Russell Wilson's favorite target and possesses some of the most reliable hands in the NFL. In a game that could feature a ton of passing volume, he is the pass-catcher to target. Baldwin can be started for WR10 cost this weekend, which is more than reasonable value considering his potential upside.
Others to Consider
While his MVP candidacy has taken a hit as the Seahawks teeter on the brink of elimination from playoff contention, the aforementioned Russell Wilson ($9,000) has still been phenomenal this season. He's coming off his worst game of the year, but he's poised to get back on track against the Cowboys. With that said, he's far and away the most expensive quarterback option on FanDuel this week, and playing him won't allow you much flexibility at other skill positions.
Jimmy Graham ($6,800) has one catch for minus-one yards over his last two contests. It's very difficult to trust him right now, but this contest should feature plenty of scoring opportunities, and Wilson will likely be looking for him in the red zone, considering his red zone market share. Proceed with caution.
Dez Bryant ($7,100) hasn't had a 100-yard game this season, and his 6 touchdown receptions are lower than what we've become accustomed to. However, the veteran remains one of the more talented wideouts in the game, and he could be poised for some positive regression this week if the Cowboys reach their 25.75-point implied team total.
The Seahawks will have to pay special attention to Elliott, which could leave Bryant open to make plays against a Seahawks secondary that has been decimated by injury. Bryant can be started for WR16 cost.