Cowboys’ defense a fantasy football powerhouse after Week 2

When you’re holding a 70-10 scoring advantage through the first two weeks you’re likely putting up big fantasy points.

The Dallas Cowboys are doing just that in 2023.

The defense is the scoring leader so far and they are showing no signs of slowing down.

Only a grazed knee prevented Micah Parsons from scoring a touchdown, which would have been the third for the Cowboys’ defense this year.

Still, they will likely be a points machine all year and the offense is starting to show signs of life.

Offense

Dak Prescott posted a solid 30-point effort in my fantasy leagues.

A much-improved number from the season opener.

CeeDee Lamb, especially in PPR leagues, is off to a hot start despite still looking for his first touchdown of the year.

CeeDee Lamb

The Cowboys tight ends grabbed both of Prescott’s touchdowns.

Jake Ferguson still looks to be the TE1 despite Luke Schoonmaker’s touchdown.

Tony Pollard hasn’t quite come back to his pre-injury form. Of concern to fantasy owners, the Cowboys turned to Rico Dowdle inside the 10-yard line.

That’s a trend to keep an eye on as the season wears on.

If Brandon Aubrey is available — unless you have Justin Tucker — it’s time to grab him.

Defense

After a 50-plus point effort against the Giants to open the season, the defense picked right up against the Jets.

Three interceptions, one fumble recovered and three sacks made for another solid scoring effort for this unit.

They are clearly the best defense in the NFL, and in fantasy football, right now.

If for some reason they are available, grab them. Now!

Micah Parsons sacks New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. (DallasNews.com photo)

In IDP leagues, there’s no way Parsons is still available.

If you are in one that he is, let me know, I want to join it. That’s easy money to be had.

The one defensive player to go get is Osa Odighizuwa. With offenses worrying about Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, he’s feasting.

Odighizuwa has three sacks, four solo tackles, and a tackle for a loss.

He has stepped up his game this year and could be a solid bye-week replacement.

The Trade Judge Is In

I put out the call last week for any trades that needed an unbiased opinion and we got a good one.

James S. sent in this proposed trade: He sends Patrick Mahomes and the Browns’ defense and gets Lamar Jackson and the Cowboys’ defense in return.

Going by the numbers it would be an even trade.

But I wouldn’t do it if I were either owner.

KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 7: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs drops back to pass during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

Mahomes is going to be a monster, especially with Kelce back. We’ve already seen what Dallas’ defense is going to do.

If the two owners do go through with it, the Judge wouldn’t overrule it. But he might invite Counsel back to his chambers.

“Are you both nuts?”

It isn’t much in the way of high legal opinion.

But I think most of you would be saying the same thing.

Thanks for sending in the trade question, James.

If you have a trade you’re considering, or if there’s been a trade in your league that has you seeing red, let me know about it.

Send the details to me at this e-mail address: fantasytradejudge@yahoo.com.

My Week In FFL

After a 0-3 massacre to open the season, there really was only way to go in Week 2.

I did manage to go up, but only with a 1-2 record for the week.

The Grim Reapers rebounded with a solid 39-point victory thanks to Jared Goff and DeVonta Smith.

Don’t @ me, I know he’s an Eagles player.

DeVonta Smith (USA Today photo)

That late touchdown pass wiped out on review that Derek Carr threw on Monday night?

Yeah, he is Pigskin Fiction’s starting QB.

Pigskin Fiction lost by four points. Have I mentioned that I hate instant replay?

No, my leaving Daniel Jones’ 41 points on the bench had nothing to do with the loss, at all.

Scribe’s Penman actually had a good week.

Unfortunately, I played the team that had the top score for the week.

Even his bench beat my starters. Ouch!

The Records:

Grim Reapers 1-1

Scribe’s Penmen 0-2

Pigskin Fiction 0-2

All-time regular record (since 1989 – and yes, I keep track of such things): 609-481-7 (.558).

I’ve got 26 division titles and 12 league championships under my belt. What?

You think I religiously keep track of all-time records only for the Dallas Cowboys? Wait until we get into my postseason records.