New England Patriots vs Dallas Cowboys: Fantasy Points Galore (And What to Watch For)

I enjoy fantasy fooball, but it’s not my primary reason to watch football. I just love the game itself. If you’re a big fantasy football guy though, this is a game you’re going to want to start pretty much everybody you can…with the exception of either defense. The Cowboys have been excellent against the run this year (#1 vs the rush), and average vs the pass (14), but are still giving up over 25 points per game.

The New England Patriots are the worst pass defense (statistcally) in the league, but also boast the league’s best offense. Start: All Patriots WR. Start All Cowboys WR and Felix Jones. Flex: Woodhead and the Law Firm.

Fantasy points galore!

But besides the fantasy aspect what else should you be watching for? As always, I’ll hone in on some of the matchups of the key young players and their development.

What’s at stake:

For New England: Not much. They are still the front runners of their division, but the Bills are playing well and the Jets are alwyas a threat. Winning just helps them keep pace for what might be a tough playoff race in the A.F.C. East.

For the Cowboys: The Cowboys are coming off a bye-week and also need a win before they fall behind even futher in the division race.

But overall for either team this is a non-division game early in the season and means little in the final scheme of things.

Devin McCourty vs Miles Austin/Dez Bryant

Last year Devin McCourty played lights out and people were saying what a genius Belichick was for using a first round pick on McCourty with 17 passes defensed and 7 interceptions. This year he has 3 passes defensed and zero interceptions. He is being targeted less (34 tackles is indicative of enough targets), but he’s also not playing as well. The Cowboys have one of the best receiving duos in the league with Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. McCourty needs to play well to help the Patriots limit some points.

Sean Lee vs Tom Brady/Wes Welker/Aaron Hernandez/Rob Gronkowski

Sean Lee is having one of the best sophmore seasons in all the N.F.L. he’s making plays in the running game and passing game. Through four games he has 35 tackles and two interceptions while showing off his athleticism and instincts that made him a second round pick last year. The Patriots love to work the middle with Wes Welker and the tight ends. Lee could really be a help in the middle of the field for Dallas. Can he do enough to contain the Patriots passing attack?

Nate Solder vs Anthony Spencer (and) DeMarcus Ware

The young rookie OT has struggled a bit at times and he’s got a big task today if DeMarcus Ware ever lines up against him, even if he doesn’t Spencer is no slouch. Spencer is playing some of his best football in his career. He has 3 sacks in four games. Solder is very athletic, but sometimes loses his leverage.

Steven Ridley vs the Cowboys front 7

Ridley has played much better than I thought he would (I thought he was a “reach” in the third round) vindicating the Patriots a bit. Today he’ll go up against the best run defense (statistcally) in the league will he be able to maintain his solid pace and help the Patriots have a little balance.

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