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Not much went right for the Cowboys in 2024. After three straight seasons of 12 wins, the team saw a number of injuries that derailed the 2024 campaign. The Cowboys limped to a 7-10 finish while the Eagles won the Super Bowl, and the Commanders made the NFC Championship Game. That ushered in plenty of changes this off-season, as the Cowboys didn’t renew the contract of Head Coach Mike McCarthy, turning things over to Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as the new Head Coach. But will that bring wins?

Off-Season Changes

The Cowboys’ run game was a mess in 2024, so they made some wholesale changes. That led to Rico Dowdle—who finished with more than 1,000 yards and as RB23—leaving for the Carolina Panthers. The Cowboys also parted aways with veteran receiver Brandin Cooks, who went back to the New Orleans Saints, and both backup quarterbacks departed. Cooper Rush is now backing up Lamar Jackson in Baltimore while Trey Lance is with the Chargers. The Cowboys saw some defenders depart, too, with the biggest name among them Demarcus Lawrence at defensive end.

But the Cowboys did re-load. At quarterback, the team traded for Joe Milton from the New England Patriots. He’s a development player with upside behind Dak Prescott. In the backfield, the Cowboys brought in veteran Miles Sanders from Carolina and Javonte Williams from the Broncos. Williams, entering his fifth season, was RB30 last year. He figures to be the lead back and looks to get to 1,000 yards. The Cowboys also added Texas running back Jaydon Blue in the Fifth Round, giving them a young player to add to the room.

With Prescott and CeeDee Lamb locked up, the Cowboys reached terms on a massive extension for tight end Jake Ferguson. Not done, they also traded with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire receiver George Pickens. Pickens caught 174 passes for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns in three seasons. He gives the Cowboys another outside weapon. The team also worked on improving the front line, spending a First-Round pick on Tyler Booker and re-signing tackle La’el Collins.

Fantasy Impact

Despite being limited to eight games, Prescott was QB31 for the season. He has Top 12 upside as the Cowboys figure to be pass-heavy again. They also have plenty of weapons. Prescott doesn’t run as much as he did early in his career, but his passing makes up for it. In the backfield, I like Williams to take the lead. I think he can have low-end RB2 upside, but he’s better as an RB3. Blue is a dynasty stash at this point as camp reports are uneven.

In the passing game, it’s about Lamb. He was WR8 in 2024 despite the offense crumbling around him. He’s a Top 5 option at receiver with Prescott back. I’m also interested in Pickens and Ferguson. Ferguson feels like a high-end TE2 with upside, while Pickens has some appeal as a WR3. He gives the Cowboys the best option opposite Lamb they’ve had in a while. Jalen Tolbert looked decent in 2024, but I think he’s a fade. There isn’t enough targets for him to be a consistent starting option.

The Bottom Line

The Cowboys have the pieces to be fun on offense for fantasy, especially in the passing game. They have the talent all along the roster to be a contender. But they can’t seem to get out of their own way. The ongoing contract stalemate with Micah Parsons is poor form and a distraction the team doesn’t need. I think they’ll get it resolved pre-season, but it is a needless distraction. The Cowboys also face a tough road in division, where the Eagles and Commanders are among the best rosters in the league. Still, I think the Cowboys, if healthy, can win nine or 10 games and be in the Wild Card conversation.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.