RB Ezekiel Elliott, LAC (4 Viewers)

[montana_grizzly_bears]

"Tony Pollard, meanwhile, continues to rip off explosive plays and appears to be the Cowboys' best running back option. "

This is the part that gets me. Thanksgiving: 10-36, Week 11: 7-51 (explosive), Week 10: 11-42, Week 9: 4-11, Week 8: 7-26. Those numbers don't look explosive save for week 11. His receiving numbers, yes, are explosive, but they use Pollard on different routes than they use Elliott. Give Pollard the same routes that Zeke runs, and does he get the yardage he normally does? 

 

[SayWhat?]

"Tony Pollard, meanwhile, continues to rip off explosive plays and appears to be the Cowboys' best running back option. "

This is the part that gets me. Thanksgiving: 10-36, Week 11: 7-51 (explosive), Week 10: 11-42, Week 9: 4-11, Week 8: 7-26. Those numbers don't look explosive save for week 11. His receiving numbers, yes, are explosive, but they use Pollard on different routes than they use Elliott. Give Pollard the same routes that Zeke runs, and does he get the yardage he normally does? 

But maybe Pollard gets those routes, and not the routes that Zeke runs, because of the fact that he is more explosive?

 

[montana_grizzly_bears]

But maybe Pollard gets those routes, and not the routes that Zeke runs, because of the fact that he is more explosive?

Exactly, but what happens on the run plays. If Pollard is supposed to be that much better right now why is his average down in the 3-4 ypc? Explosive to me is carrying the ball for a RB.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

"Tony Pollard, meanwhile, continues to rip off explosive plays and appears to be the Cowboys' best running back option. "

This is the part that gets me. Thanksgiving: 10-36, Week 11: 7-51 (explosive), Week 10: 11-42, Week 9: 4-11, Week 8: 7-26. Those numbers don't look explosive save for week 11. His receiving numbers, yes, are explosive, but they use Pollard on different routes than they use Elliott. Give Pollard the same routes that Zeke runs, and does he get the yardage he normally does? 

this is the correct answer 

 

[Faust]

Ezekiel Elliott (knee) was a full participant for Tuesday's practice.

Elliott is fully expected to play and handle a "serious load" on Thursday night since that's what interim coach Jerry Jones has already decided. Zeke's ensuing production on those touches is a mystery. Tony Pollard, while the more explosive back between the two to the fully clothed eye, cannot be considered anything more than an RB3/FLEX play for fantasy for as long as Elliott is active.

SOURCE: Jon Machota on Twitter

Nov 30, 2021, 4:25 PM ET

 

[Quakertown Tom]

"Tony Pollard, meanwhile, continues to rip off explosive plays and appears to be the Cowboys' best running back option. "

This is the part that gets me. Thanksgiving: 10-36, Week 11: 7-51 (explosive), Week 10: 11-42, Week 9: 4-11, Week 8: 7-26. Those numbers don't look explosive save for week 11. His receiving numbers, yes, are explosive, but they use Pollard on different routes than they use Elliott. Give Pollard the same routes that Zeke runs, and does he get the yardage he normally does? 

Pollard is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 8.8 yards per catch.  Zeke is 4.5 yds/carry and 5.3 yds/catch.  One more yard every time he carries and three more every reception.  That is substantial. 

 

[Insein]

Zeke may be a decoy for the Saints to prepare for. He'll probably get some high leverage touches, but I imagine that with the team eyeing a deep post-season run, he may cede to Pollard even more than usual.

Yea I'm worried about that. JJ emphasizing the "he'll get a load" makes me pessimistic that he will. 

 

[chad in Indy]

Pollard is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 8.8 yards per catch.  Zeke is 4.5 yds/carry and 5.3 yds/catch.  One more yard every time he carries and three more every reception.  That is substantial. 

I really like Pollard and would like to see what he can do w a full time role. But sometimes YPC can be misleading when RB "A" gets the lion's share of GL/short yardage plays for example. If that RB gets a TD, it simultaneously equals a run for merely 1 yd. 

In this case, Zeke gets almost all the short yardage calls and will depress his YPC. 

Pollard is also the RB of choice in the hurry up and sees more prevent defense looks which increases the yardage.   Just another couple wrinkles in stats to keep in mind.

 

[Quakertown Tom]

I really like Pollard and would like to see what he can do w a full time role. But sometimes YPC can be misleading when RB "A" gets the lion's share of GL/short yardage plays for example. If that RB gets a TD, it simultaneously equals a run for merely 1 yd. 

In this case, Zeke gets almost all the short yardage calls and will depress his YPC. 

Pollard is also the RB of choice in the hurry up and sees more prevent defense looks which increases the yardage.   Just another couple wrinkles in stats to keep in mind.

I just threw stats in because someone else acted like the stats didn't show much difference.

I don't think Zeke is washed and Pollard is electric because of stats. I think that because my eyes see it every time they're on TV.

 

[zamboni]

Saints are tough to run on. If the running game isn't working, it could work to Pollard's favor if they want to get him into space.

 

[Payne]

I hate this scenario. Start Zeke? Start Pollard? Bench both for somebody else? Ugh 

 

[Banger]

I hate this scenario. Start Zeke? Start Pollard? Bench both for somebody else? Ugh 

I have a league where I have both and this weekend I'm playing a guy in a game for the division and he has both....the worst news for Zeke/Pollard owners this week is that Zeke is a GO.  The 2 backs together are "good" but if one were to go down you have the top RB in the game.  

 

[VikingFrog]

I have a league where I have both and this weekend I'm playing a guy in a game for the division and he has both....the worst news for Zeke/Pollard owners this week is that Zeke is a GO.  The 2 backs together are "good" but if one were to go down you have the top RB in the game.  

Johnathan Taylor would like a word.

 

[Quakertown Tom]

I have a league where I have both and this weekend I'm playing a guy in a game for the division and he has both....the worst news for Zeke/Pollard owners this week is that Zeke is a GO.  The 2 backs together are "good" but if one were to go down you have the top RB in the game.  

If Zeke is playing you still have to go with him. He's way more likely to get the goal line carries. 

 

[Gally]

If Zeke is playing you still have to go with him. He's way more likely to get the goal line carries. 

This is my dilemma for sure.  I think Pollard with out touch Zeke this week but will they have a few goal line plays to get Zeke a TD.  I really am not sure what is the best way to go (touches vs high leverage)

 

[Dizzy]

Elliott is fully expected to play and handle a "serious load" on Thursday night since that's what interim coach Jerry Jones has already decided.

How awesome would that be! 

 

[JohnnyU]

I have a league where I have both and this weekend I'm playing a guy in a game for the division and he has both....the worst news for Zeke/Pollard owners this week is that Zeke is a GO.  The 2 backs together are "good" but if one were to go down you have the top RB in the game.  

I don't think there is a scenario where I would rank Zeke the top RB in the game.

 

[Banger]

I don't think there is a scenario where I would rank Zeke the top RB in the game.

whether or not you'd rank him the top RB in the game, he's currently 7th in my PPR league at 16.64 pts which is 6.36 pts behind #1 Taylor.  If Pollard were to go down I don't think it'd be a stretch for Zeke to pick up a couple add'l receptions and rushing touches which would likely make up that 6 pt gap.   

 

[JohnnyU]

whether or not you'd rank him the top RB in the game, he's currently 7th in my PPR league at 16.64 pts which is 6.36 pts behind #1 Taylor.  If Pollard were to go down I don't think it'd be a stretch for Zeke to pick up a couple add'l receptions and rushing touches which would likely make up that 6 pt gap.   

I come at this with a dynasty / devy mentality when viewing Zeke, so I understand redraft is a different animal and completely understand that perspective.

 

[Banger]

I come at this with a dynasty / devy mentality when viewing Zeke, so I understand redraft is a different animal and completely understand that perspective.

makes sense...

 

[humpback]

whether or not you'd rank him the top RB in the game, he's currently 7th in my PPR league at 16.64 pts which is 6.36 pts behind #1 Taylor.  If Pollard were to go down I don't think it'd be a stretch for Zeke to pick up a couple add'l receptions and rushing touches which would likely make up that 6 pt gap.   

It's a bit misleading to look at season long numbers- these guys are going in opposite directions, over the last 5 games Taylor is averaging over 30 ppg and Zeke under 15.

It's a huge stretch IMO.

 

[Faust]

Cowboys vs. Saints: The best Ezekiel Elliott player prop bets for TNF

 

[Faust]

Ed Werder @WerderEdESPN

#Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is enduring the worst four-game streak of his career in terms of rushing yards. While there was some consideration to letting his right knee heal, Dan Quinn tells me that Zeke is expected to start and play regular role came #Saints .

https://twitter.com/werderedespn/status/1466547348130177029?s=21
 

Ed Werder @WerderEdESPN

The #Saints  recognize based on tape review that Ezekiel Elliott does not look like the same runner now as he was before his knee injury. They are impressed with Tony Pollard and concerned about his potential impact on the game.

https://twitter.com/werderedespn/status/1466553885221441540?s=21
 

Ed Werder @WerderEdESPN

Ezekiel Elliott has been managing a bone bruise in right knee. His rushing total has declined in 4 consecutive games - from 51 to 41 to 32 to 25 yards - and his total of 149 yards is his fewest for any 4-game span over his career.

https://twitter.com/werderedespn/status/1466560236366532609?s=21

 

[Insein]

Gonna be a long night

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Gonna be a long night

Needed that td after Lamb was tackled short of the GL 

 

[Wise Old Owl]

I just don't get why hes active

 

[Insein]

So glad I started both. 

 

[zamboni]

I just don't get why hes active

I can think of 90 million reasons.

 

[Faust]

Ezekiel Elliott rushed 13 times for 45 yards and caught 2-of-3 targets for two yards in Week 13 against the Saints.

There were reports the Cowboys were considering holding out Elliott, who's been playing through a bone bruise in his knee, this week. Instead, it was more of the same, with Elliott plodding his way to another ineffective game. Tony Pollard continued to outplay Elliott, rushing for 71 yards on seven carries and scoring a 58-yard touchdown. Elliott hasn't went over 70 total yards since Week 9 and there's been nothing to suggest he's close to breaking out of his slump. Eliott won't be more than a RB3 for Week 14's matchup with a Washington defense that's among the best in the league at stopping the run.

Dec 3, 2021, 12:09 AM ET

 

[skinsrule05]

So glad I started both. 

At least you got 50% right. 

 

[Faust]

Ezekiel Elliott has forced 15 missed tackles on 160 rushing attempts this season, according to Pro Football Focus. 

Elliott's stunning lack of elusiveness was on full display Thursday night against New Orleans. Reportedly hobbled by a bruised knee he suffered in Week 4, Elliott was again slow and ineffective on his 13 carries for 45 yards. PFF rates him as the tenth least elusive running back in the NFL this season, comparable to backs like David Johnson, Carlos Hyde, and Latavius Murray. For context, Dalvin Cook has forced 37 missed tackles on 172 carries this season and Nick Chubb has forced 41 missed tackles on 150 attempts. Tony Pollard, who had another long touchdown run in Dallas' win over the Saints, has forced 23 missed tackles on 100 carries. Pollard has the 13th highest breakaway percentage, per PFF, while Zeke is 37th in breakaway rate. Pollard drafters can only hope rational coaching takes hold in Dallas and Elliott is used as a 1B back behind Pollard as the team's 1A down the regular season's final stretch. We wouldn't bet on it though. 

RELATED: 

Tony Pollard

Dec 3, 2021, 8:51 AM ET

 

[Faust]

Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott won't blame knee injury for recent struggles

 

[Dizzy]

What is Elliot's injury exactly. A "bruised" knee lasting 8+ weeks?

Most RBs have a distinctly peaked career with respect to FF production and there are very few "double peaks" in my experience. Usually when they have that all-timer season, everyone one after is lesser until the eventual vanishing act.

Now, the angles on either side of these peaks vary from player to player... some have had that fall-off-cliff chart... like a door wedge - steady ascent of highly productive seasons followed by a sharp drop into oblivion. Could Zeke be exhibiting the reverse door wedge? A sharp rise out of the gates to his best season he'll ever see followed by a slow descent in annual production before the inevitable vanishing act?

 

[Faust]

Speaking Wednesday, Ezekiel Elliott said while his knee "feels good" it won't be 100% healthy for 3-4 more weeks.

“You’re going to have to drag me off of the field,” Elliott said, essentially admitting he's been playing at less than full health. After last week’s MRI, the belief is his knee will be good in three or four weeks, according to Zeke, who said “that’s perfect timing” with the playoffs on deck. The Cowboys need to get Tony Pollard more touches the rest of the way. But it remains to be seen if the coaches will actually dial it back on Elliott.

RELATED: 

Tony Pollard

SOURCE: Michael Gehlken on Twitter

Dec 8, 2021, 2:20 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Ezekiel Elliott rushed 12 times for 45 yards, hauling in 1-of-6 targets for 15 yards in Dallas' Week 14 win against Washington.

Two of Elliott's six targets were end zone looks as Dak Prescott sailed the ball over Elliott's head multiple times on wheel routes. Although he tacked on a 15-yard catch and 10-yard run throughout the game, Elliott was still clearly hobbled and limping between plays. Corey Clement was afforded a team-high 13 carries since the Cowboys took a 24-0 lead into the second half, though Elliott did return to the field in the fourth quarter once Kyle Allen, replacing Taylor Heinicke (knee), cut the game to a one-score deficit. Elliott lacks a ceiling while injured but still offers a touch-based floor as a low-end RB1 any time Tony Pollard (foot) is sidelined moving forward.

Dec 12, 2021, 10:36 PM ET

 

[skinsrule05]

I am lucky this week wasn't a playoff game.  I can't imagine starting him again this season.  Yesterday was the best possible scenario for him; Pollard out & going against an average dst.  He did nothing and hurt himself again.  The guy is no longer a RB2.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Having to keep him on the bench next week for the like of Stephenson in New England, Sanders in Philly, Foreman in TN as long as Henry is still OUT, you cannot afford to start Zeke in the Playoffs, he has to show something and break this streak of pitiful production. Sorry he is injured, applaud the effort because it helps Dak set up and find his open WRs, felt like Dallas left points on the field thru the air they could have pressed more for longer pass plays. 

 

[skinsrule05]

9 weeks straight without a top 10 finish.  He has been dragging my team down for 9 weeks.  And to make it worse, I have Pollard.  If Zeke would sit maybe Pollard would have been a guy worth starting.

 

[tangfoot]

9 weeks straight without a top 10 finish.  He has been dragging my team down for 9 weeks.  And to make it worse, I have Pollard.  If Zeke would sit maybe Pollard would have been a guy worth starting.

Pollard was out yesterday

 

[Faust]

Ezekiel Elliott (knee) said he feels "the best I've felt in a while."

"Last week I wore a knee brace and it helped a lot, giving me some stability," Elliott continued. "I definitely felt more comfortable.” Zeke has not been himself while dealing with a knee injury, but he was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and in his own words is getting back to full health. That said, he was out-carried by Corey Clement last week and still appeared to be limping at times. Elliott will have low-end RB1 appeal as long as Tony Pollard (foot) is out just due to his touch potential, but he would be a much better play if he got back to his old self.

SOURCE: Joan Machota on Twitter

Dec 15, 2021, 5:04 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Next Gen Stats measured Ezekiel Elliott as posting his fastest top speed since Week 6 in Week 16. 

Elliott posted a 17.88 mile per hour rush, his best since Week 6's still far faster 19.8. The Cowboys have been taking fewer precautions with Elliott's balky knee since a positive Dec. 3 MRI. “I’m very encouraged by the direction it’s going,” Elliott said. “Yeah, I feel more explosive. I can tell I feel faster, and I can tell there’s more stability in it. … If I keep progressing, I think by about the playoffs I’ll be close to 100 (percent).” That is too late for fantasy managers, but just in time for a Cowboys organization desperate for its first deep playoff run in decades. 

SOURCE: Dallas Morning News 

Dec 30, 2021, 10:23 PM ET

 

[togo]

Stick a fork in him. Time to give the job to Pollard.

16 yards rushing today………

 

[Ministry of Pain]

He definitely will not be in my line up if I can survive this week.

We have a Week 18 Championship in one of my leagues, I'm up going into tonight but Zeke made it in front of guys like Boston Scott who I couldn't actually pull the trigger on. Lucky to have Penny as my RB2 today. 

 

[socrates]

He definitely will not be in my line up if I can survive this week.

We have a Week 18 Championship in one of my leagues, I'm up going into tonight but Zeke made it in front of guys like Boston Scott who I couldn't actually pull the trigger on. Lucky to have Penny as my RB2 today. 

Week 18 Championship?  Ouch. 

I started Zeke in my Championship game over Penny and Singletary.  I should have listened to you and others and started Penny.  I still may win, but it would not even be close if Zeke had not put up such a pitiful line.  (I also left Amari Cooper in my lineup over Renfrow and others.  Dang Cowboys!)

Where does Zeke rank dynasty?  Is he out of the top ten going into next season?  How far does he slide?

 

[joey]

Week 18 Championship?  Ouch. 

I started Zeke in my Championship game over Penny and Singletary.  I should have listened to you and others and started Penny.  I still may win, but it would not even be close if Zeke had not put up such a pitiful line.  (I also left Amari Cooper in my lineup over Renfrow and others.  Dang Cowboys!)

Where does Zeke rank dynasty?  Is he out of the top ten going into next season?  How far does he slide?

Top 10? Jeez, is he even top 20 RB at this point? 

 

[pantherclub]

Week 18 Championship?  Ouch. 

I started Zeke in my Championship game over Penny and Singletary.  I should have listened to you and others and started Penny.  I still may win, but it would not even be close if Zeke had not put up such a pitiful line.  (I also left Amari Cooper in my lineup over Renfrow and others.  Dang Cowboys!)

Where does Zeke rank dynasty?  Is he out of the top ten going into next season?  How far does he slide?

Undraftable

 

[Payne]

Cost me a championship 

 

[oswizzle]

He’s done … dude is a shell of his former self 

 

[Faust]

Speaking Wednesday, coach Mike McCarthy said Ezekiel Elliott played most of the season with a torn PCL in his right knee after initially suffering the injury in Week 4 against the Panthers.

It's unclear if Elliott will require offseason surgery, but McCarthy did say he expects Elliott to be 100% for the start of next season. Elliott never missed a game, but he was as inefficient and devoid of playmaking ability as we've seen him in his career this past year, averaging a career-worst 58.9 rushing yards per game. Elliott did score 10 touchdowns and rush for 1,002 yards, and he's on the books for a fully guaranteed $12.4 million salary next season.

SOURCE: Jon Machota on Twitter

Jan 19, 2022, 3:48 PM ET

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Here come the excuses 

FIFY