I wrote earlier this week about A.J Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert and have written even more about Saquon Barkley. Released podcast episodes on Barkley, Smith, Dak Prescott, and Jaydon Blue. There's a lot to say because the fantasy stakes are so high.
As big as tonight's contest is for the defending champions, it's arguably bigger for Dallas, which last year averaged its fewest points since 2015. 10 years ago, Matt Cassel, Kellen Moore, and Brandon Wheeden started three-quarters of their games, while Terrance Williams led the team with 840 receiving yards. Zeke Elliott and Dak Prescott were drafted a few months later, and . . . well, here we are.
This franchise certainly expected better. Once again, they're built to be a comfortably above-average offense. They could realistically finish in the top 8. Much hinges on Dak's health, as he's missed significant time in three of the past five seasons. As long as he's out there, CeeDee Lamb will get his numbers, and George Pickens could post the best numbers of his career.
Their backfield is beyond concerning, largely because Blue will start the season as a dart throw rather than as an imminent lead RB. He was the only Dallas running back I targeted in my draft last night. But he went off the board at pick #111, 28 spots ahead of his ADP. Didn't think anything more about this backfield until my 14th-round pick (#193): Miles Sanders or a DST? I went with Sanders because why not. A lot could change between now and October.
For the Eagles, the Big 5 (I'm including Goedert) are startable, assuming no setbacks for Brown and his hamstring. For the last time, Barkley would have to defy history to finish in the top 10. Will Shipley and AJ Dillon are must-roster RBs if you can spare the space.
Final score prediction is 33-20 Eagles. Leave your prediction below and, just as importantly (or more importantly), good luck if you have a fantasy stake in the outcome.
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