Dallas has owned New York in recent history, and the week ahead centers on how the Cowboys plan to stay dominant. Prescott’s command anchors a versatile attack: a motivated Lamb, a seam-friendly connection with Ferguson, and a varied run game under Adams that keeps defenses guessing. Steward steps in at slot with Bland out, while the door remains open for a likely Clowney addition to sharpen the rush. It all factors into a fantasy-ready formula: attack the seams, threaten the middle, and lean on a smart, adaptable game plan.

Mazi Smith, a 2023 first-round pick, was inactive Week 1 and isn’t expected to play vs. the Giants. Coaches say he flashes but must show more consistency. Dallas’ reshaped roster—a Kenny Clark trade and Parsons-era overhaul—has put his role in flux, with the team emphasizing discipline and clear game plans.

Smith says he’ll do what’s best for the team and will follow the coaches’ plan, hinting that his Week 2 snaps could rise if he earns trust in practice and shows steady play. Fantasy angles hinge on practice visibility and the defensive rotation against New York.

Dallas ruled out DaRon Bland for Sunday against the Giants with a foot injury, offering little clarity on a return timeline. The Cowboys won’t IR him yet, signaling a likely return before four weeks if possible. With Bland out, Reddy Steward projects as the primary slot man, aided by familiarity with Cowboys coaches from Chicago and the Bears connection to their staff. Zion Childress could get a look from the practice squad or safety-based packages could be deployed. Dallas hits a testy stretch: Giants, Bears, Packers, Jets.

Steward’s path is shaded by past stints with Matt Eberflus, Andre Curtis and David Overstreet in Chicago, which should ease his transition. The plan will hinge on how quickly Bland can return, and how the defense adjusts to cover the slot without their top nickel option. The timeline remains fluid, but the approach centers on depth and smart matchups.

Week 2 survival pool play leans into balance: early chalk picks anchor your run, while a measured under-the-radar play keeps flexibility intact for tougher weeks. Dallas over the Giants and the Rams over the Titans form the backbone, with the Chargers and Steelers providing solid value on favorable fronts. A single high-variance swing—San Francisco over New Orleans—exists, but health and turnover discipline will dictate its upside. Plan to conserve elites, chase measured value, and avoid burning premium teams too soon.

The approach centers on trench advantage, recent form, and quarterback stability. Rams’ defensive line dominance and Herbert’s aerial efficiency support taking the LAC over LV, while Pittsburgh’s home defense can pressure Seattle’s offense. The Saints-Denver nuance adds risk-reward: Purdy dealing with injuries and a reshuffled cast could open a window for New Orleans if they capitalize on timely plays. Week 2 is about sequencing and situational upside.