Dallas’s Week 2 drama centers on a beleaguered secondary with DaRon Bland sidelined, likely pushing the Cowboys to allow the most receiving yards again and elevating risk for fantasy managers in Week 3. Russell Wilson blistered Dallas for 450 passing yards before New York sealed the OT win, highlighting the ceiling for high-volume pass attacks. Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson torched the coverage, Rome Odunze flashed with 128 yards and two scores, while Trevon Diggs and Kaiir Elam struggled. Bland’s return timing will dictate Week 3 and Week 4 fantasy impact against Chicago and Green Bay.

Dallas shook off a slow start to beat the New York Giants 40-37 in overtime, proving the offense can fuel a high-flying game while exposing a vulnerable secondary. Russell Wilson carved Dallas up for 450 yards and 3 TDs, and without DaRon Bland, Kaiir Elam and the rest of the unit struggled to contain big plays. Dallas heads to Week 3 against a wounded Chicago squad, where the secondary will be under the microscope and the offense will look to sustain explosive output.

Fantasy managers should watch how Dallas cushions the secondary in practice and whether Caleb Williams noise around the Bears becomes a real storyline. The Cowboys’ ability to balance pass-heavy drives with a sharp defense will be the key for consistent fantasy upside, especially as opponents lean more on passing in high-scoring setups.

Mazi Smith is inactive for a second straight Week 2, with Dallas signaling that consistency from the 2023 first rounder remains a work in progress. The Cowboys also list RB Jaydon Blue, CB DaRon Bland, LB Shemar James, and OLs Ajani Cornelius, Hakeem Adeniji, and Trevor Keegan as inactive, ahead of a Week 2 date with New York.

Bland is sidelined by a foot issue, and the group of inactives opens doors for other Cowboys to step into run and pass defense roles. Fantasy managers should note Smith's absence dampens early upside, while the Giants will test the Dallas defense without several rotation options in Week 2.

In short, the absence of core pieces on both lines and the backfield heightens uncertainty around snap shares in real games and DFS lineups, making Week 2 a pivotal moment for evaluating Dallas depth and future fantasy projections.

New York Giants lean on James Hudson III at left tackle as Andrew Thomas remains inactive, with Thomas eyeing a return next week against Kansas City. Rookie Darius Alexander sees action and Elijah Garcia is elevated from the practice squad, while Rakeem Nunez-Roches sits. Xavier Gipson and Wan'Dale Robinson are limited by injuries, and Jameis Winston is listed as emergency QB.

Cowboys will miss DaRon Bland, shaping a game that could hinge on depth and special teams. Devin Singletary looks poised to handle kickoff returns if Gipson remains out. The Giants navigate a patchwork O-line and defensive depth while preparing for a challenging Week 3 date with the Chiefs.