As the fantasy football season progresses, injuries can wreak havoc on our carefully crafted rosters. One of the most significant injuries this week is to Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who is likely headed to IR with a hamstring injury. This development raises a crucial question for fantasy owners: How will CeeDee Lamb's performance be affected without his starting quarterback? With the Cowboys' offense already struggling to find its rhythm—ranking 20th in points per game after leading the league last season—understanding Lamb's value is more important than ever. In this post, we will delve into Lamb's current situation, his production with backup quarterbacks, and what you can expect moving forward.
The Current State of the Cowboys' Offense
The Cowboys' offense has been a shell of its former self this season, dropping significantly in the rankings compared to last year. After leading the league in points scored, they now sit in the lower tier, which has implications for all offensive players, especially a prominent wide receiver like CeeDee Lamb. The uncertainty surrounding Prescott's injury adds another layer of concern, as Lamb's ability to produce at a high level could be hampered further.
CeeDee Lamb's Performance with Backup QBs
Despite the troubling situation, CeeDee Lamb has shown flashes of brilliance. Over the past three games, he has amassed an impressive 43 targets, indicating that he remains a focal point in the offense. Historically, Lamb has performed reasonably well with backup quarterback Cooper Rush. Last season, he averaged 9.5 targets, 82 yards, and 16.7 fantasy points per game with Rush under center. His target share of 32.8% and first-read target rate of 41.2% highlight his importance in the passing game.
However, it's crucial to note that while Lamb remains a top-10 wide receiver, his ceiling is undoubtedly lower without Prescott. This is especially concerning with a challenging matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in recent weeks.
Injury Concerns
Adding to the uncertainty is Lamb's own injury status. He is currently dealing with a sprained AC joint in his shoulder, which puts his availability for Week 10 in jeopardy. With the Cowboys projected to score a meager 17.25 points this week, expectations for Lamb should be tempered. The combination of a backup quarterback and a banged-up star receiver creates a perfect storm for potential disappointment in fantasy lineups.
As fantasy analyst Dalton Del Don states, "Lamb remains a top-10 WR without Prescott, but his ceiling lowers. Expectations should be lowered accordingly." This insight emphasizes the importance of adjusting our expectations for Lamb in light of the current circumstances.
In summary, CeeDee Lamb's fantasy value is indeed at risk without Dak Prescott. While he continues to see significant volume and has historically performed well with backup quarterbacks, the combination of a struggling offense, tough matchups, and his own injury issues means that fantasy managers should proceed with caution. Consider your options carefully, and be prepared to adjust your lineup based on Lamb's health and performance in the coming weeks. As always, the key to fantasy success lies in staying informed and making strategic decisions based on the latest developments.
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