The year is 2024, but the Dallas Cowboys wanted to bring back a blast from the past when they re-signed Ezekiel Elliott to become part of their running back room. However, given his age, we must look at Elliott’s fantasy football outlook differently. This year, we have to research if he will become Dallas’ RB1 and also if he’ll even make the team at 29 years old.
Ezekiel Elliott’s Fantasy Profile for the 2024 Season
Last season, Elliott played for the New England Patriots behind Rhamondre Stevenson. He finished the year with 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Elliott also excelled in the passing game, seeing 65 targets, producing 51 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns.
When it comes to the rushing game, TruMedia helps us realize that Elliott was an average back for the season. Far gone are the days when he was a top running back when his yards per rush and his third-down rush conversion percentage landed him in the mid-40s.
Elliott was the 17th overall running back with 313 receiving yards. His yards per reception was 19th overall at 6.1. Last season, he was the 15th-best running back in yards after catch (YAC).
Is Elliott a Good Fantasy Pick?
Even with those impressive receiving stats, we should fade Elliott in 2024. We must remember that the Patriots operated without Stevenson due to an injury from Week 14 to the end of last season.
We must also not forget that New England was inept in the passing game, leading the Patriots to a little town called “Dump Off City.”
Elliott returns home to Dallas this year with CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, Brandin Cooks, and even completion in the backfield with Rico Dowdle. Elliott’s target total should regress, limiting his fantasy outlook in 2024. The addition of Dalvin Cook to the practice squad also creates further confusion around his opportunities in this offense.
Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about Elliott’s bye week on top of his new role in a different offense. The Cowboys take a breather in Week 7, which is inconsequential for fantasy football.
Elliott has an average draft position (ADP) of No. 104 overall, which is too rich for my blood. Dowdle, meanwhile, has an ADP of 141.
With Dowdle on the right side of youth between these two running backs, you would be better off drafting him later and following the draft strategy of years past that was implemented with the Patriots’ slew of RBs during the glory days.
If you end up with Elliott, at least take joy in the fact that you can name your fantasy team Zeke and You Shall Find, Zeke Squad, Zeke and Destroy, or Zeke of Nature. It’s a small win in an otherwise depressing situation with an aging running back.
Elliott could start the year strong like most veterans, but we need someone to help us punch it in on those all-too-important fantasy football playoff weeks. Fade him this year and give yourself a chance with a higher upside elsewhere.