Dallas Cowboys Running Backs Fantasy Football Outlook 2024: Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and Jaydon Blue

Of all the fantasy football storylines heading into the 2024 season, none is more fascinating—or more polarizing—than the Dallas Cowboys backfield. Ezekiel Elliott’s workhorse days are gone, and in their place is a cost-effective, high-variance committee. For fantasy managers, this backfield isn’t about safe floors—it’s about risk, upside, and finding league-winning value. Let’s break down the fantasy football outlook for each of the Cowboys’ key running backs:

Javonte Williams Fantasy Outlook 2024

When the Cowboys traded for Javonte Williams, they weren’t just filling a roster spot—they were betting on a true bell-cow archetype. Williams’ early years in Denver showcased elite tackle-breaking ability and one of the highest forced missed tackle rates in football. For fantasy, that means goal-line work, short-yardage conversions, and a steady RB2 floor if healthy.

The upside: Williams could emerge as the true RB1 in Dallas, handling 15–18 touches per game behind a strong offensive line. In standard and half-PPR formats, that volume plus touchdown potential makes him highly attractive.

The risk: his devastating 2022 knee injury (ACL, LCL, and more) robbed him of burst last season. If he can’t regain his explosiveness, he becomes more of a TD-dependent RB3. Williams is the highest-upside gamble in this backfield—but also the riskiest pick.

Fantasy Draft Range: Round 6–7 in 12-team leagues (RB3 with RB2 upside).

Miles Sanders Fantasy Outlook 2024

Miles Sanders was a fantasy bust in 2023, but the Cowboys are giving him a fresh start. Just a year removed from a Pro Bowl season with 1,200 total yards, Sanders now lands in a far better situation. He should mix in as a change-of-pace back and could handle passing downs. In PPR formats, his receiving ability makes him a sneaky stash.

The upside: if Sanders regains his 2022 form, he could carve out 8–12 touches weekly and function as a flex option. He’s especially valuable as handcuff insurance for Williams owners.

The risk: running backs can decline fast, and Sanders looked sluggish and indecisive last year. If those issues carry over, he could quickly become waiver-wire fodder.

Fantasy Draft Range: Round 13+ (bench stash, best ball flier).

Jaydon Blue Fantasy Outlook 2024

Rookie Jaydon Blue is the ultimate fantasy upside play. Drafted in the fifth round out of Texas, Blue has elite athleticism and fresh legs. He’s the Cowboys’ home-run threat and could thrive in outside-zone runs under Brian Schottenheimer’s scheme.

The upside: if Williams’ health falters or Sanders disappoints, Blue could see a fast-tracked role. He has the traits to be a midseason waiver-wire darling, especially in big-play bonus or best ball leagues.

The risk: rookies often struggle with pass protection and consistency, so Blue may start buried on the depth chart. He’s more of a late-season stash than an immediate contributor.

Fantasy Draft Range: Undrafted (priority dynasty stash, late redraft flier).

Cowboys Running Backs Fantasy Verdict

For fantasy football, the Cowboys RB room is high-risk, high-reward:

• Javonte Williams is the RB to draft, with real RB2 upside if his knee holds up.
• Miles Sanders is a speculative late-round stash who offers handcuff value.
• Jaydon Blue is a dynasty target and potential waiver-wire breakout.

This is not a backfield to ignore, but it’s also not one to overpay for. Think of it as a committee with a league-winning ceiling if one player seizes the role. In a contract year for Dak Prescott, the Cowboys offense should score plenty—meaning fantasy points will be there. The key is identifying who steps up first.