Week 1: Dallas Cowboys Players to Know

Key players on the Dallas Cowboys roster who may not always be in the highlights, but deserve your attention ahead of the 2024 season-opener.

Even the most casual football fan can easily name the league’s superstars—those household names who dominate the headlines and collect accolades week after week. Think of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, etc. Their talent and impact on the game are undeniable. However, there are many other players across the league who may not be as well-known but still play crucial roles in the outcomes of games. These unsung heroes are often overlooked, yet they consistently contribute to their team’s success. That is the focus of this series.

In the first installment of our weekly series, we’ll spotlight key players on the Dallas Cowboys roster who may not always be in the highlights but deserve your attention. As “America’s Team” prepares to take on the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field this Sunday, these are the players you should be watching closely. Their performances could be difference-making in what promises to be an intense season-opening matchup.

Jake Ferguson (Tight End)

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is among the elite at the position in the NFL. A season ago, he led all qualifiers in receiving EPA (+97.1) and was top-5 in numerous categories including grade (91.4), catch rate over expected (10.3 percent), and yards (1,749). Correspondingly, he was the most targeted wide receiver with 179 passes thrown his way. Lamb will be a factor on Sunday and get his yards, there’s no way around it. The goal for the Browns should be to limit the damage done by others in the passing game, particularly their emerging tight end.