Ezekiel Elliott Fantasy Football Profile and 2024 Season Outlook
Ezekiel Elliott is a running back for the Dallas Cowboys and a consistent RB2/RB3 option in fantasy football formats. His 2024 season stats show a decline in rushing yards compared to his peak seasons, with a career-low total of 826 yards and 4 touchdowns through the first 14 weeks, per latest data from ESPN and Yahoo Fantasy. Elliott's fantasy value hinges on his pass-catching ability and red-zone role, making him a safer start than many mid-tier backs despite his reduced workload. Analysts project his final season totals to land in the bottom third of the top-20 running backs, which has pushed his average draft position to the late rounds in most 2024 fantasy football drafts. For deeper analysis of his career trajectory and contract situation, see his profile on ESPN's fantasy football page.
The Dallas Cowboys' offensive strategy under head coach Mike McCarthy has shifted toward a committee approach, with Elliott sharing carries with Tony Pollard and younger backs like Deuce Vaughn. This rotation has limited Elliott's weekly touches to an average of 13.5 per game, down from 18.5 in 2023, according to NFL.com's weekly fantasy reports. Despite the reduced role, Elliott remains a high-floor option in standard leagues because of his consistent goal-line touches and reliable reception totals, averaging 3.2 catches per game. Fantasy owners should monitor his snap counts and the team's injury reports, as his availability is a key factor in weekly lineup decisions. The latest injury updates and practice participation reports are available on the official Dallas Cowboys website.
Ezekiel Elliott Fantasy Rankings, ADP, and Ownership Trends
Current ADP and Draft Position
Ezekiel Elliott's average draft position in 2024 fantasy football drafts sits around RB25 to RB30 across major platforms like FantasyPros and DraftKings. His ADP has dropped significantly from RB12 in 2023, reflecting his decreased workload and the Cowboys' commitment to a multi-back system. In snake drafts, he is typically selected in rounds 5 to 7, making him a late-round value pick for managers who prioritize floor over ceiling. His current tier placement is "low-end RB2," meaning he can outperform his ADP in standard scoring formats if he maintains his red-zone efficiency. For the most up-to-date ADP and tier lists, check FantasyPros' consensus rankings.
Weekly Ownership and Startability
Elliott's weekly ownership rate in large-field fantasy tournaments averages around 45%, which is lower than his ADP suggests, indicating that many managers are benching him in favor of higher-upside options. In head-to-head leagues, his startability remains high in weeks where the Cowboys face weak run defenses, as he has historically posted 15+ fantasy points against bottom-10 run-stopping teams. His ownership spikes during bye weeks for other top running backs, making him a useful streaming option in deep leagues. Managers should compare his projected points against handcuff options like the San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey, who is currently ranked higher in most expert projections. Real-time ownership data and projections are updated daily on platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Ezekiel Elliott Fantasy Football Strategy and Expert Projections
Best Formats for Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott performs best in standard PPR and half-PPR formats where his reception totals can boost his overall score, as he is one of the most reliable pass-catching running backs in the NFL. In superflex and dynasty leagues, his value increases due to his proven durability and familiarity with the Cowboys' offensive system, despite his age. His best fantasy weeks typically come against teams that allow the most