With the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys playing their second game against each other this coming Monday, their could be some favorable matchups that you may want to examine when setting your fantasy lineup.
It’s important to remember to be careful of anyone who has an injury going into Monday night. Unless you have someone else as a backup to replace them, it may be hard to start anyone who has any uncertainty prior to Sunday’s kickoff.
Let’s take a look at some players you should consider starting in your fantasy lineup Monday night.
WR Amari Cooper
Forget the fact that the Giants are the 30th-worst defense against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. Cooper and the Cowboys’ passing game had a field day against Big Blue in Week 1 — Cooper had 6 receptions for over 100 yards and a touchdown in the first. With the Giants having a tough time against opposing passing attacks this year, Cooper could be in store for a huge day.
RB Saquon Barkley
Saquon may still be coming back and getting stronger every week, but let’s face it… if you have him you are starting him. He also seems to have a knack for having strong performances during prime time games and this Monday will be his first this year.
In Barkley’s first career game in prime time last year, which also came against Dallas, the Giants went to Barkley early and often in the passing game as the star Running Back racked up 14 receptions.
In the Giants Thursday night game against the Eagles last season, Barkley had over 200 total yards and a touchdown, including nine catches for 99 yards. The Giants then had another Monday night game the following week where Barkley again hauled in nine catches.
RB Ezekiel Elliott
Like Saquon, if you have Elliott you are starting him. He is a workhorse in the Cowboys offense and is projected to score the most points out of any Dallas player in fantasy this week. The Cowboys pass/run balance is scary considering the Giants defense this year. Elliott is the 7th-best fantasy running back entering Week 9 but should have another big game on Monday night.
Cowboys defense/special teams
The Cowboys defense has a favorable matchup against a Giants team giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses. The Giants lead the league in giveaways with 19 on the year. Although, there are 20 teams with more takeaways than Dallas, the Cowboys should be able to force a few turnovers given the Giants turnover issues.
TE Evan Engram
Engram has scored a touchdown in each of his last three games against Dallas. He is a mismatch nightmare for defenses and had 14 catches against the Cowboys the first time around this season.
Although, I think his value has gone down since the quarterback change, I still think Engram remains in your starting lineup — especially given his performance against Dallas in Week 1 and the fact that the Cowboys are the fifth-worst defense against opposing tight ends fantasy wise this season.
