Dallas fell 31-21 to Los Angeles in the first screen of the Cowboys’ preseason, but the tape offered concrete takeaways for fantasy folks. Joe Milton III began shaky, then settled in with softer, better-placed throws late in the third, suggesting a ceiling that could shimmer if he tightens consistency behind Dak Prescott. Nate Thomas started at left tackle with promising pass protection and run-lane discipline, while Marist Liufau flashed as a disruptive second-year linebacker who can hit gaps and help in subpackages. DeMarvion Overshown continues to look like a developing building block, showing up in tackles and blitz moments, and Zion Childress logged multiple clean pops while Zion Childress could force a roster decision on the backend. Tyrus Wheat kept showing up with run stops, pressures, and special-teams juice. The overarching narrative: Prescott’s health remains the domino, Milton is flirting with a real backup ceiling, and the first-team’s fallible depth could become a fantasy-leaning storyline as rosters trim toward Week 1.

Beyond the box score, the Rams game served as a live audition for several depth players, underscoring a Dallas pipeline where the QB room, offensive line, and linebacking corps—especially Liufau and Overshown—will be watched closely. This week’s rewatch reinforces that the Cowboys’ 53-man cutoff could hinge on a few players who can contribute in multiple phases, from pass protection to coverage to special teams. For fantasy managers, the key is monitoring Milton’s continued development, Thomas’ left-tackle competition, Liufau’s floor as a backup hybrid, and Wheat’s role on defense and specials as a potential weekly streamer in certain matchups.

Dallas hosts a preseason opener against the Rams at SoFi Stadium, with Joe Milton III, Phil Mafah and Nate Thomas among the players to watch for fantasy purposes. Milton is poised to showcase his arm, Mafah could push for early-down and third-down work, and Thomas is in the mix on the Cowboys’ offensive line depth chart. The game sets the stage for evaluating Cowboys’ depth behind the star trio and how those roles could evolve once the regular season arrives.

The kickoff is 6:00 p.m. CT, with ESPNBet listing Cowboys as -2.5 and an over/under of 33.5. Coverage on CBS 11 and Spanish radio options, plus live updates and post-snapshot photos, give fantasy players a chance to gauge early-season upside for reserve players and potential breakout bets as roster battles unfold.

Andrew Mukuba, a promising safety from Texas, is quickly becoming a sought-after prospect for the Detroit Lions as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. Following a standout freshman season at Clemson, where he made history as the first true freshman defensive back to start, Mukuba transferred to Texas, where he showcased his skills in a more traditional safety role.

With impressive metrics, including a 4.45 40-yard dash, Mukuba's playmaking ability has garnered attention, especially as the Lions look to secure depth in their secondary. As Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph near contract renewals, Mukuba could be a strategic addition to the Lions’ defense.