Things have gotten chaotic in Dallas, to say the least. Micah Parsons is now a Green Bay Packer, leaving the Cowboys with major question marks on defense. At running back, Javonte Williams ($8,100) is expected to lead an uninspiring backfield. Still, the Cowboys have Dak Prescott ($13,500) at quarterback, so expect plenty of points this season. The front office made a major move to bolster this passing attack, bringing in wide receiver George Pickens. The Georgia alum showed flashes of greatness during his time with the Steelers. However, he only finished as the fantasy football WR40 in points per game in 2024.
Football fans will get their first glimpse at this new-look Dallas offense on Thursday vs. the Eagles. Philadelphia enters this contest as heavy favorites going up against an NFC East rival. Is Pickens worth a start against the defending champions in Week 1?
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Fantasy Football Start or Sit: George Pickens
It’s obvious why Dallas, a team searching for offensive weapons, traded for Pickens. The 23-year-old compiled 2,841 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over his three seasons with Pittsburgh. Those numbers, while solid, don’t scream ‘must-start.’ Still, the best may be yet to come for this über-talented wideout. After all, it wasn’t Pickens’ statistical output that frustrated the Steelers. Off-field issues and a perceived lack of maturity soured head coach Mike Tomlin on the enigmatic pass catcher.
Things should be much different in Big D. For starters, superstar CeeDee Lamb ($16,200) will be commanding the most targets in this Cowboys offense. That might not be a bad thing for Pickens; opposing defenses won’t be able to double-team him this year. In addition, Dallas acting as underdogs doesn’t exactly hurt the passing game. Any team trailing late will be forced to throw the ball to counter a run-heavy Eagles offense.
Speaking of Philadelphia, the champs appear a bit weaker on defense this season. That’s especially true at cornerback, where the team’s second starter remains uncertain. Former Giants CB Adore’e Jackson is expected to get the first crack at guarding Pickens. That’s a matchup that Prescott should exploit, given he’s beaten New York in 13 straight contests. During that time, names such as Amari Cooper, Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup have delivered impressive stat lines.
Granted, this Eagles defense is far more formidable than what New York has thrown out in recent seasons. Regardless, Pickens ($12,000) is only the fifth-most expensive non-quarterback taking the field on Thursday. For managers in season-long fantasy, it’s difficult to think of a better starter in leagues of 12 or more teams. Unless the Cowboys generate a surprising amount of offense early, they’ll have to throw the ball from behind. Either way, the game script should call for plenty of involvement from Pickens. Back Dallas’ newest weapon as a high-upside flex play.
