What should Fantasy Owners do with Ezekiel Elliott?

Owning Ezekiel Elliott this season has given owners a first-hand perspective of what bipolar disorder is.  There have been so many high’s, low’s and a ton of anxiety!

How Ezekiel Elliott’s fantasy owners should handle the possible suspension.

Ezekiel Elliott owners are, understandably so, frustrated about the looming suspension hanging over Zeke’s head.  It has been a fantasy rollercoaster of emotions; a ride in which owners have experienced many highs and lows.  If you – like many others – are contemplating what to do with Zeke, we have a few solutions to help put your mind at ease.

What we know:

• Elliott WILL BE suspended whether it be later this season or at the start of the next. 
• The other running backs on the Dallas Cowboys depth chart are Alfred Morris, Darren McFadden, and Rod Smith.
• The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line is among the best in the NFL.
• Darren McFadden rushed for 1,089 yards and 3 touchdowns for Dallas in 2015.
• Alfred Morris has eclipsed 1,000 rush yards in a season 3-of-4 NFL seasons in which he was the featured running back.
• Rod Smith is a third-year pro out of Ohio State who is in the mold of another Buckeye alum, Eddie George.  (Smith and George are listed as the exact same size, 6’3, 235 lbs.)

So, which of these running backs should you add to your roster?

The answer is Rod Smith.  Smith offers the highest upside as a Zeke replacement.  Of course, Morris and McFadden have the experience but both are in a steady decline.  Now, it will be somewhat of a committee (initially) but Rod Smith will get the first crack at the job and he will literally run away with it.

What you should do if you own Zeke.

If you’re in a redraft league, there are two options you have to consider immediately!  With each passing day, we are getting closer to a decision on Elliott’s availability for the remainder of 2017.

     Option 1:

Trade Elliott sooner than later.  Don’t wait.  If you are unable to acquire Rod Smith in your league, go ahead and trade Zeke now.  The longer you wait, the less you will get in return and when the suspension does reign down, you will get absolutely nothing in return for him.  Poof!  His value is obsolete.   Wherever you are weak on your roster, try to trade Zeke now to upgrade other positions.  Do not expect equal value for Zeke, but don’t give him away for a non-starter.  If I had to put a percentage on Zeke’s availability for the 2017 Fantasy Playoffs, I’d say there’s a 15% chance Zeke will be eligible in Week’s 14-16.

     Option 2:

GO GET ROD SMITH!  This is the best-case scenario for fantasy owners.  In Option 2, you will have the benefit of playing Elliott until a decision is made on his availability and you will own the player that is the TRUE HANDCUFF in that Cowboys backfield.

Most importantly, we know this is definitely not an ideal situation to be in, but like a really good player with an expiring contract, you want to move them and get something in return than to lose them later and be stuck with a hole in your roster.

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