The Dallas Cowboys are now the sole leaders in the NFC East division after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles last week and while they have a tough test against the Lions in Week 8, they will be getting a boost with DeMarco Murray likely back in the lineup, but fantasy owners should also snag handcuffs Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar just in case.
Murray is coming back after missing out last week and he comes into the matchup after rushing for 29 yards on seven carries in his last game against the Redskins, which was a 31-16 victory. Murray has been very solid for the Cowboys the season and he ranks 10th in the league in rushing yards per game and ninth in touchdowns and while he also dealt with injuries last season, he looks like he will be ready for Sunday, as he was back at practice, although it was in a limited capacity.
Fantasy owners should be cautious, but based on comments from Stephen Jones and the fact that he was at practice means he likely will play. Randle is the top option in case Murray can't go and if he is limited, expect Randle to get the bulk of the carries, as backup Lance Dunbar is dealing with an injury to his shoulder and he could be limited or even inactive for the game if it's too serious. The Cowboys and Lions are playing at 1 pm this week, so it will be tough for fantasy owners to decide what to do, but the best bet will be to watch the injury report heading into Sunday.
Murray has been very consistent this season despite being banged up and he already has over 400 yards rushing, although the bulk of that came in his 26 carry, 175 yard game against the Rams. Murray has scored three touchdowns in his last four games and he also has been a very good factor in the passing game, making 24 catches this season for 164 yards and if he plays on Sunday that is likely to be something the Cowboys do against the aggressive Lions D. Murray has rushed for at least 43 yards in three of his last four games and he could be a bit rusty on Sunday, but if he starts, he is a good play for owners.
Randle was solid over the past two weeks, getting 30 carries the past two games while rushing for over 80 yards and last week he had three receptions, giving him five over the last two games. He scored a TD against the Redskins and if Murray is limited in any way, expect Randle to get the carries over Dunbar, who is dealing with an injury and is lower on the depth chart anyway.
There is a good chance that Randle will not get many touches if Murray is healthy, but if anything comes up, he could end up having a big day for the team against a team that is allowing over 110 yards per game. The Cowboys will play the Lions on Sunday and then Detroit will have a bye week while Dallas will be hosting the Vikings and the Saints on Sunday night football and that comes before their bye week.
