Dallas and Atlanta wrap the 2024 preseason with one last tune-up Friday night at AT&T Stadium, where Milton III will again audition for the Cowboys’ QB depth chart and Ben DiNucci tees it up for Atlanta. Dallas sits at a tight betting line (-2.5) with an over/under of 36.5, and broadcasts span CBS 11, Telemundo 39, NFL Network, plus KRLD-FM and KMVK-FM. Fantasy-minded fans should watch Milton’s decision-making, mobility, and how he handles extended drives, while DiNucci’s comfort in Atlanta’s schematic tweaks could lift late-season bench options for Falcons pass-catchers. The game also serves as a final backdrop for roster talks as teams finalize the 53-man plan.

Milton’s showcase will be a barometer for Dallas’ quarterback depth and potential practice-squad considerations. A crisp sequence of accurate throws combined with effective improv could nudge Milton into late-round fantasy chatter or sneaky real-world intrigue. DiNucci’s mobility and timing will shape how Atlanta leverages its reserve units, potentially nudging a few Falcons skill players into sleeper territory if his rhythm clicks. Expect a script-heavy first half with mixed reps for the non-starters, then a closer look at who lands on the final roster or practice squad contours.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens in Dallas kicks off a critical preseason storyline: who among the ambitious camp risers can press for the 53-man roster and who will fade as cuts loom. Joe Milton III is the focal point, tasked with accelerating in Schottenheimer’s system, refining timing and ball placement rather than blasting throws. Tyler Booker makes his NFL debut in this rematch, a big test for the first-rounder as the Cowboys look to solidify their blocking unit and run game in live action.

Across the depth chart, Deuce Vaughn and Jaydon Blue will vie for meaningful touches alongside Phil Mafah, Malik Davis, and Hunter Luepke, all seeking to prove they belong on the final roster. At receiver, Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Brooks, Traeshon Holden, Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Cropper battle for snaps behind the topters, with Holden and Flournoy drawing particular attention after productive Rams performances. The Rams reference in Week 1 lingers as a benchmark for polish and timing, while the Ravens contest provides a fresh gauge on the Cowboys’ roster prospects and fantasy upside ahead of the final cuts.

Jonathan Mingo will miss at least four weeks with a sprained PCL suffered in the Cowboys preseason clash with the Ravens. The 24-year-old Ole Miss product had been a midseason addition for Dallas after a Panthers trade, logging 17 receptions in 2024 after a 43-catch rookie year. He flashed in the latest exhibition with a 49-yard grab from Joe Milton, showing the potential depth he would’ve provided behind a top duo. His absence will put more on the Dallas receivers in the short term and could force climbing the depth chart for others if the spot isn’t used for another position.

Dallas counters with a dynamic WR pairing in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, plus Jalen Tolbert who posted solid gains last year. KaVontae Turpin remains a bundle of gadget plays and return ability. Milton’s link to Mingo in the preseason hints at possible increased target distribution for Lamb, Pickens, Tolbert, and Milton-favored options. The injury landscape extends beyond Mingo, with Tyler Guyton nursing an ailment up front and Overshown, Diggs, and Revel Jr. working back from season-ending injuries, which could pressure overall depth early in the year.

The Ravens game was preseason, but the ripple effects for Dallas fantasy output matter. Expect greater emphasis on Lamb and Pickens, with Tolbert and Turpin vying for additional looks as the offense stabilizes. In fantasy terms, the path to upside for DAL pass-catchers will hinge on Milton’s rapport and how quickly the staff can plug a reliable fourth option.

Dallas faces a rough two-game preseason start as Brian Schottenheimer pushes for a cleaner, more physical attack. The offense stalled to two touchdowns while amassing 199 rushing yards, and Joe Milton III completed just 55.3% of his passes. The defense surrendered ground gains and Dallas fell short on third downs (6 of 22). The starters won’t play until September, so the depth and scheme repeats will be tested again in the finale against Atlanta as Milton works on footwork and grip. Dallas is not in panic mode, but improvement is needed before Week 1.

Third-down conversion and run-game consistency are at the center of the critique, with Schottenheimer admitting play-calling and tackling as culprits. Positive notes emerge on Tyler Booker, Princeton Fant, James Houston, and Mazi Smith, plus the work of slot corners Kemon Hall and Zion Childress. The plan is to finish strong in practice and build speed and physicality for the regular season.

Dallas continues to grind through its final preseason, placing Joe Milton at the helm for a third straight outing as the Cowboys search for a definitive backup quarterback. Milton’s mandate is simple: show more consistency and confirm how far he has progressed since his New England stint. Coach Brian Schottenheimer wants more data from the 26-for-47 preseason line, 265 yards, one TD and two interceptions, especially after a shaky start that left Dallas with a pronounced early-time-of-possession deficit in losses to the Rams and Ravens.

Will Grier remains in the mix, but his workload has been modest this preseason. His strong 2023 showing—76.2% on 640 yards with four TDs and two INTs—gives him a baseline, though he’s only attempted eight passes this preseason. The Cowboys are prioritizing clarity on Milton while keeping Dak Prescott on the sideline in the finale, continuing the long, lab-tested process of locking in a concrete No. 2 behind Prescott before final cuts.

Aside from Milton and Grier, the team’s mention of Trey Lance—acquired in an offseason trade—signals depth-chart intrigue, even as the direct plan centers on Milton’s growth. Dallas’ stance that Prescott won’t play again in the preseason underscores the risk-reward of a young QB battle. Practice remains a proving ground, and the coaching staff is hopeful one more start will yield the needed clarity for the 53-man roster.