Cowboys-Falcons fantasy football preview: Start or sit Dak, Amari Cooper, Matt Ryan?

The Cowboys will depart from Dallas this week to play the Atlanta Falcons.

The game comes at a critical juncture in the NFL schedule for both teams and will have major implications for the NFC playoff picture.

At 3-6, the Falcons currently occupy third place in the NFC South, trailing the Carolina Panther (6-3) and New Orleans Saints (9-1).

The 4-5 Cowboys are coming off a huge win over the Philadelphia Eagles (4-5) and now occupy second place in the NFC East.

The contest also provides a number of intriguing questions when it comes to fantasy football.

Here are the players you should start in a standard scoring fantasy football scoring format.

Cowboys

Start ‘em: RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR Amari Cooper

Elliott is coming off one of his best games of the season and is an automatic start. Since arriving from the Raiders, Cooper has recorded 11 catches, 11 receiving yards and one touchdown reception. And the Falcons have been susceptible against the pass.

Sit ‘em: Everyone else, including QB Dak Prescott

Falcons

Start ‘em: QB Matt Ryan, WR Julio Jones, TE Austin Hooper

Like Elliott, Ryan and Jones are automatics plays in this game. Normally, Hooper might be a sit em’ candidate. But the tight end position remains thin this season.

Sit ‘em: WR Calvin Ridley

If you are struggling at wide receiver, he’d be an option. But Ridley has disappeared from the Atlanta’s passing attack in recent weeks.