Michael Gallup

Fantasy Upside

It was clear by Week 3 that Michael Gallup would be the Cowboys' deep threat, allowing teammates Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb to run the intermediary and short routes. It worked well for the four weeks that Dak Prescott was healthy. Gallup reached double-digit yards per route in the four games Prescott finished, as well as Week 5 when Prescott was lost for the season. Gallup also played the most snaps of any Dallas receiver and was the only one to play at least 75% of snaps in every game. His health was a contributor to keeping the Dallas offense somewhat afloat without Prescott, allowing the three Cowboys' backup quarterbacks to have consistent pass-catching options. Gallup also has massive upside should Cooper or Lamb miss time. Having previous, successful chemistry with Prescott is vital to his fantasy production.

Fantasy Downside

Gallup will never be confused as the Alpha receiver in Dallas. He also saw his role diminish once Prescott was lost in Week 4. It is not Gallup’s fault the talent behind Dak was that bad, but it is a byproduct of a league desperate for QB talent. Gallup was targeted once every 9.55 routes run. Cooper was the next closest at one target per 7.25 routes run. If Gallup is not catching home run balls from Prescott or whoever is under center, his weekly output could be tough on the eyes. A healthy offensive line may also mean more emphasis on the running game, especially with the idea of keeping Prescott upright and opposing defenses honest.

2021 Bottom Line

The return of Prescott is the tide that lifts all boats in the Cowboys' offense. Gallup should be drafted as a WR3 with WR2 upside due to injuries and spike weeks with one of the best QBs slinging the ball.

Week 15 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Michael Gallup actually leads the Cowboys' receivers in targets over the last six games, but has only topped 40 yards in two of those matchups. His deep-threat role means efficiency can be hard to come by and the matchup with the 49ers' secondary this week won't help his cause. Gallup will see a lot of Richard Sherman and Jason Verrett in coverage, two corners who both can cause problems in the deep passing game. Gallup's usage has trended upward as the season goes on, but that has not necessarily translated to fantasy production and Week 15 looks like another matchup where big numbers will be hard to come by. Gallup is a risky flex play against San Francisco.