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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is a polarizing fantasy player. After the Dallas Cowboys used the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft on Elliott, many criticized the decision. However, the Cowboys made the correct call as Elliott has been one of the top running backs since entering the NFL.
Elliott led the NFL with 322 rushing attempts and 1,631 rushing yards in only 15 games as a rookie. His 15 rushing touchdowns were the third-most in the NFL and nine more than any other rookie running back. Furthermore, Zeke was a fantasy superstar from the moment he stepped on the field in the NFL.
He was the RB2 his rookie season. Elliott was then the RB13 in PPR in 2017 despite missing six games because of a suspension. He has ended every season since as a top 10 running back. Moreover, Elliott had at least 1,250 scrimmage yards and eight total touchdowns every year of his career.
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Ezekiel Elliott’s 2021 Fantasy Football Production
While Elliott struggled last year, the veteran running back was still productive for fantasy teams. He was the RB7 in PPR scoring, totaling 252.06 fantasy points. However, Zeke was less valuable on a points-per-game basis, ending the year as the RB15 among running backs with nine or more games played. He averaged 14.8 PPR fantasy points per game last season.
Elliott played all 17 games last year. Zeke had 237 rushing attempts for 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns despite Tony Pollard’s emergence. While his receiving numbers slightly regressed from the 2020 season, Elliott still had 47 receptions on 65 targets for 287 yards and two touchdowns.
More importantly, owner Jerry Jones recently said, “Elliott is going to be the engine of the Cowboys offense.”
Is Ezekiel Elliott A Good Fantasy Football Pick in 2022?
Last season, Zeke averaged 0.83 PPR fantasy points per opportunity, according to FantasyProfiler. Elliott also had seven top-12 weekly finishes in PPR scoring last season, the fourth-most behind Jonathan Taylor, Najee Harris, and Austin Ekeler.
Unlike those three running backs, Elliott doesn’t have a first-round ADP this year. He has an early fourth-round ADP and is the RB16 in the latest RotoBaller rankings.
While playing through a knee injury, Elliott averaged 11.6 PPR fantasy points per game from Week 11 through Week 18, making him the RB16 during those weeks. However, the changes on the offensive line are a massive concern.
The Cowboys lost two starters from last year’s unit in the offseason: La’el Collins and Connor Williams. More importantly, their elite left tackle, Tyron Smith, will miss most of the season with a hamstring injury. The loss of Smith will have a massive impact on Zeke’s fantasy production.
Where Should I Draft Ezekiel Elliott in Fantasy Football?
At his current cost, Elliott isn’t a bad fantasy football draft pick. He is currently ranked 32 overall in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings.
That would put him in the 4th round, which is solid value. He isn't someone to target necessarily, but if he slips into the 5th round it would be a solid value pick.
However, I would draft Cam Akers, Breece Hall, and J.K. Dobbins instead. All three have a later ADP and have more potential upside than Elliott.
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