Key Fantasy Insights from Cowboys vs. Raiders Monday Night Football

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

The recent matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders revealed significant insights regarding player performance and team strategies. The Cowboys’ wide receivers stepped up remarkably, while the Raiders adjusted their offensive approach significantly.

Key Fantasy Insights from Cowboys vs. Raiders Monday Night Football

Cowboys Wide Receivers Excel

Despite not participating in the first drive due to disciplinary reasons, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens made a strong impact. Together, they accumulated over 200 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns upon their return to the field. This performance highlights their crucial role in the Cowboys’ offense.

Raiders Embrace Multi-Tight-End Sets

The Raiders showcased an innovative strategy, utilizing more multi-tight-end sets during the game. They ran 13 personnel plays more frequently than 11 personnel, indicating a significant shift in their offensive formation. Brock Bowers, a tight end, was notably utilized in various roles, demonstrating the team’s adaptability.

Expanded Use of Personnel

The Raiders employed 13 personnel 10 times in the first half, a marked increase from previous games.
Utilization of 12 personnel reached 54%, leading the league, while other teams averaged below 44%.
Brock Bowers logged an 82.3% snap rate during this stretch, emphasizing his increased role.

This change in approach coincided with the team’s transition period, particularly after trading Jakobi Meyers, which created opportunities for tight ends to fill more integrated roles within the offense.

Focus on Wide Receiver Rotation

In the Cowboys’ lineup, while Lamb and Pickens returned, they experienced slight rotations throughout the game. Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin opened the game, with Turpin emerging as a more prominent figure in their offensive plays.

Flournoy saw the most snaps as the third wide receiver.
Turpin’s role expanded in 11 personnel plays, suggesting potential Fantasy value.

Despite this, Lamb and Pickens remain the primary options, leaving little value among other receivers unless injury strikes.

Noteworthy Player Updates

The Cowboys waived running back Malik Davis but re-signed him to the practice squad, elevating him for the game as a primary backup.
Jonathan Mingo remained inactive for the Cowboys, missing the entire season so far.

Pass-Heavy Raider Strategy

The Raiders’ offensive strategy included a heavy reliance on passing plays. Quarterback Geno Smith dropped back on over 90% of their plays in the first half, a rarity in recent NFL history. This approach minimized rushing attempts, limiting fantasy production for their running backs.

In summary, the Cowboys and Raiders game offered valuable insights into player utilization and strategic adjustments. Lamb and Pickens demonstrated their importance to Dallas, while Las Vegas solidified a new approach with their tight ends, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of NFL offenses.