Dallas Cowboys: PPG 18.5, Sacks 54 4th

The Dallas Cowboys have experienced a great defense the past four years, led by former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Quinn is now the Head Coach of the Washington Commanders, and Dallas is in a bit of a superstar crunch. 

The time is now if they are going to make a deep run and they have the playmakers on offense and defense to make that super bowl season that has eluded the Cowboys for three decades. The offense is set with All-Pros and veterans. The defense still has the pieces to be an excellent defense.

2024 Expectations: 4th

It will start with their draft picks and excellent IDPs. New defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer walks into a star studded line up. The Cowboys are also in a division with Daniel Jones and rookie QB with Jayden Daniels, which should lead to several interceptions. 

The Cowboys will also have an offense going all out. Who knows what the future holds for Head Coach Mike McCarthy, quarterback Dak Prescott, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, but they will help the defense again this year. It starts with their playmakers, who happen to be excellent IDPs.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

DL: Micah Parsons
DB: DaRon Bland
LB: Eric Kendricks

Micah Parsons is a bonafide NFL superstar, and he is drafted like one. He is almost always one of the top five IDPs drafted regardless of the format. He came into the NFL with a lot of hype, and has lived up to the expectations. He now is the focal point of offensive protections, and plays through scheme and double-teams.

He still enjoys DeMarcus Lawrence applying pressure on the other side, and a great secondary behind him. Both should lead to a boost in his numbers. He has recorded 64 or more tackles in each year, but had 84 his rookie season before being double-teamed became a routine thing. He has still managed 13 or more sacks in every season, and could exceed those in his fourth year. 

If you want Micah Parsons you will have to reach for him. He is one of the most popular IDP players, and one of the highest scorers as well. Worth a mid-round selection in standard leagues and a little earlier in leagues which reward sacks higher. 

DaRon Bland has quietly been one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. He has played in all 34 regular season games of his young career, and amassed an outstanding 14 interceptions in that time. He had 9 last year which lead the league, in addition to his 15 passes defended. Yet some still think he will be the second best member of the Cowboy’s secondary.

The truth is he very well could be, but in fantasy football leagues with IDP, Bland is preferred over his teammates. Rightfully so too, Bland was a first-team All-Pro, and finished fifth in the AP Defensive Player of the Year. It is not a fluke either. The Cowboys have players at all levels of the defense, but there is not a gap in their secondary.. And Bland is the best.

Eric Kendricks is a new addition from Los Angeles brought in by Mike Zimmer. With the retirement of Leighton Vander Esch, interior linebacker was an immediate need. With the secondary and M. Parsons attracting most of the offense’s attention, Kendricks should slide into a heavy tackle volume.

Kendricks has exceeded over 100 combined tackles in eight straight seasons. Only in his rookie year did he not break the triple digit barrier, but did manage 92. He now joins the Cowboys with a great defensive line in front of him, and a Super Bowl winning coach. 

Although in his ninth year he should improve on his numbers from last year. Let him fall to you near the end of your draft. Should he go undrafted he will be available on the waivers… but not for long.

Tomorrow the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy