The Dallas defense was embarrassed in front of the world on Monday night in Chicago as Josh McCown carved up the secondary for 348 yards and four touchdown passes.
Yet, the Cowboys are only one game back from the NFC East lead.
Green Bay has been without Aaron Rodgers for five-straight weeks and this Sunday could make six. However, because of the tie in Week 12, the Packers are less than a game back from the NFC North crown.
Playoff lives will be on the line as both teams fight to keep their heads above water in America’s Game of the Week on FOX this Sunday.
Players to start:
Quarterback – Tony Romo and Matt Flynn
Unless you are in an eight-team league, or fewer, Tony Romo is in the must-start fantasy tier.
Matt Flynn is nowhere near Romo’s value, but he does have a great matchup. The Cowboys are allowing the most points per game to opposing quarterbacks (24.7 ppg), the most passing yards per game (298 ypg), and the second-most passing touchdowns this season (26 TDs).
Running back – DeMarco Murray and Eddie Lacy/James Starks
Even in a blowout loss last week, DeMarco Murray managed to rush for 146 yards on 18 carries (8.1 yards per attempt). While the Bears currently allow the most rushing yards per game (157), Green Bay isn’t much better (122.6 ypg). In standard leagues, Murray has surpassed 12 fantasy points in four-straight games.
Not only is the quarterback position a question this week, but the starting running back job is in flux, too. Last week, Eddie Lacy ran for 65 yards and a TD against the Falcons, but missed most of the third quarter with an ankle injury. If Lacy is cleared to play against Dallas, he’s a must-start. Especially, after the success Matt Forte had on Monday night, both rushing and receiving. If Lacy is a no-go, James Starks could be a great addition from the waiver wire.
Wide receiver – Dez Bryant and Jordy Nelson
The passing game definitely takes a hit when Rodgers is absent, but Jordy Nelson is still the team’s No. 1 receiver and should still be considered as a starter on your fantasy roster.
Dez Bryant is a viable, top five wide receiver option in any format.
Tight end – Jason Witten and Andrew Quarless
Though Jason Witten’s fantasy stock continues to rise and fall with the Cowboys' record, I still consider him a must-start because of his knack for finding the end zone. He’s scored three TDs in the past three games, and seven scores on the season.
For Green Bay, Andrew Quarless was the most targeted player last week with seven passes thrown his way. Backup quarterbacks often rely on check-down routes to build confidence and to move the chains, which is why Quarless was so successful last Sunday. That trust also earned a touchdown reception late in the game against Atlanta.
