Each of these teams entered 2024 with postseason hopes in tow. Unfortunately for both the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys, things changed and that’s no longer the case. However, they are still playing out the string and there are some exciting DFS options to target. Players on both sides of the ball do have something to play for, and we can never go wrong with another football game. The Bengals are favored by 5.5 points on the road, and offense should be in full swing. Cincinnati has struggled on the defensive side of the field this year, and with an over/under of 49.5, plenty of points should be on the board. As we consider our DFS picks, there is a lot for us to consider. Here are some Monday Night Football NFL DFS picks with preferences ranked within each category so you can find success.
Monday Night Football NFL DFS Picks: Bengals @ Cowboys
Captain
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
The ball will be flying down the field tonight and the scoreboard should be on fire. Dallas has allowed the fifth most DFS points to opposing quarterbacks this season, and Joe Burrow should be no different.
Cincinnati’s struggles this season can’t be blamed on Burrow as he’s already thrown 30 touchdowns on the season. That comes with just five interceptions while Burrow is averaging 278 passing yards per game. The Bengals deserve some credit or blame for this, but we know Burrow will have free reign to let the ball fly downfield. Having two stud receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins doesn’t hurt.
Ceedee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
I’m not sure it gets much better than this. The Bengals have allowed some big days to opposing receivers this season. This week, Ceedee Lamb is next in line.
It hasn’t been an ideal season for Lamb, but with 79 catches for 880 yards, it could be worse. The biggest problem is that Lamb only has four touchdowns. He has been dealing with a shoulder injury over the last few weeks, but Lamb isn’t listed on the Injury Report for Week 14. That should help produce this week as he works to make up for lost time. Cincinnati has also allowed the most DFS points to opposing quarterbacks this season, and Lamb will play a large role in that.
Flex
Cooper Rush, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Based on how the Bengals have performed this season, Cooper Rush won’t find a better matchup all season. The production should be there tonight as Rush is forced to try and keep up with Burrow. It’s good news that he has Lamb on his side to make that happen.
However, Rush has failed to truly distinguish himself now that he’s been given the chance to step in for Dak Prescott this season. We have seen success from Rush in the past, and we know he’ll start each drive with the ball in his hands. After three touchdowns in his last two games, Rush is looking to build on that in an ideal situation.
Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Given the salary cap burdens placed on us, every dollar counts. That bumps Tee Higgins up on my list as he’s $2,000 cheaper on DraftKings. The good news, is that Higgins shouldn’t be considered a fallback plan.
Last week, Higgins was targeted 10 times. He secured five of those passes for 69 yards as he continues to play a large part in the Bengals’ offense. Through seven games, Higgins is averaging 80 receiving yards per game with four touchdowns. We can work with that production in a great matchup.
Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys
I’m not sure this is going to be a game where Rico Dowdle carries the ball 22 times again, but it’s worth noticing Dallas’ commitment to him last week. Game script played a factor as the Cowboys took care of business against the Giants, but Dowdle came through with 112 yards and his fourth touchdown of the season. Dallas will need to try and control the game flow tonight, so they could lean on Dowdle.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase is a stud. This is a situation in which you are getting what you paid for from a salary cap perspective. Through 12 games, Chase has nine touchdowns and is averaging 95 yards per game. With 79 receptions, he’s consistently involved in the offense and you know Burrow will be looking his way often.
Value
Brandon Aubrey, K, Dallas Cowboys
All Brandon Aubrey does, is continue to make kicks. Dallas provides Aubrey with ample opportunity, and he’s delivered. Nine of his 27 field goals are between the 40-49 yard range with another 10 greater than 50 yards. For good measure, Aubrey is perfect on all 21 of his extra-point attempts.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys
After missing two games with a concussion, Jake Ferguson has been cleared for action without a designation. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but tight ends have had success against the Bengals this season. Ferguson is reasonably priced although he’s still looking for his first touchdown of the season.
Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys
With Brandin Cooks back and Lamb healthy, the Cowboys do have their share of weapons. However, it’s going to be a high scoring game, and there is a good chance that Jalen Tolbert busts a big play. At a minimum, he could hit a big play and four of Tolbert’s 39 catches have gone for touchdowns.
Fade
With the amount of offense that’s going to be flowing tonight, there truly aren’t any options off the table.