What to do with Cowboys D/ST in Week 14 fantasy football

It has been a full month since the Dallas Cowboys have forced a turnover. The Cowboys recorded one interception and two fumble recoveries on November 4th against the New York Giants. Since then, the Cowboys have gone four straight games without a turnover. Fortunately for Dallas, Mitchell Trubisky has thrown at least one interception in each of his last three games, boding well for this to be the week to turn things around.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Cowboys D/ST

The Cowboys enter this week as the eighth ranked pass defense, allowing an average of 215 yards passing per game. They have not allowed a quarterback to throw for more than two touchdowns in any game this season. As mentioned earlier, Trubisky has been somewhat of a turnover machine lately and if the Bears try to attack through the air, there will be opportunity for interceptions.

While the pass defense has fared well this season, the run defense has struggled at times. As the 16th ranked rush defense on the season, they are allowing 4.1 yards per carry to running backs. The Cowboys may be further vulnerable against the rush this week, as they have already ruled out linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who is the team’s second leading tackler. Also of note, linebacker Sean Lee was limited in practice on Monday with a pectoral strain and did not practice Tuesday for non-injury related reasons. This is a situation to monitor.

Though the Cowboys struggle against the rush, Trubisky is not much of a threat as a rushing QB. Additionally, Bears starting running back, David Montgomery, is not a particularly foreboding opponent with an average of 3.5 yards per carry on the season. Chicago may look to attack with him on the ground, with some short passes to Tarik Cohen mixed in. Given Trubisky’s propensity for turnovers and the Bears lackluster run game (ranked 24th in the NFL) this can be considered a plus match-up for the Cowboys.

Start/Sit Recommendation:

Start the Cowboys.