CeeDee Lamb torches Commanders for 8/153/2

Although he lead the team in both targets and receiving, Lamb got off to a slow start while committing an early drop. He would score from one yard out in the second quarter after a Javonte Williams touchdown was ruled short of the goal line and also draw a defensive pass interference penalty in the second half that would lead to a Williams score, but the Cowboys simply had problems creating the chunk plays that ruled the roost in 2025. Better days are likely ahead for the perennial WR1, which starts in a Week 2 home showdown against another divisional opponent in the Commanders.

Solak’s prediction was among his bold predictions for the 2026 NFL season. Prescott having a shot at 5,000 yards, Solak said, would hinge on the Cowboys remaining a fast-paced offense in 2026. Last season the Cowboys led the league in play clock remaining at the snap and offensive plays per game, leading to 600 passes for Dak — a career high. The wideout duo of George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb won’t hurt matters for Prescott, who has eclipsed 4,500 passing yards three times in his NFL career. Pickens’ downfield ability was reflected in Prescott finishing sixth in deep ball accuracy last season. “The volume will be there for Prescott to not just lead the league in passing in 2026 but to once again challenge for the 5,000-yard milestone,” Solak said. Quarterbacks have thrown for more than 5,000 yards just 14 times in league history.

Restructuring the contracts of Prescott, Lamb and Smith will create $66 million in cap space. Schefter also passes along that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys will rework the contracts of DTs Kenny Clark, Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa, who are scheduled to count around $63 million against the cap. With the new cap set at $301.2 million, the Cowboys had negative-$56.1 million in cap space. These moves help Dallas become compliant and have money to work with this offseason.

Lamb started this game and wasn’t officially removed until the beginning of the second half, but he wasn’t much of a factor here as the Cowboys had nothing to play for. The 26-year-old will end the season with 75 catches on 117 targets for 1,077 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. This is the fewest receiving yards Lamb has had since his rookie year and the fewest touchdowns he’s ever had in an NFL season. That’s a bit shocking considering that Dak Prescott is in a battle to lead the NFL in passing yards. Obviously, some of that is the three games Lamb missed due to injuries, but playing alongside a legitimate second wide receiver in red zone weapon George Pickens was also a factor. Pickens is set to enter free agency, so the Cowboys will need to decide if they want to, or can, pay to bring him back. If not, Lamb may go right back to being a threat for 1,500 yards.

Lamb and quarterback Dak Prescott were disconnected throughout, with the bulk of his receptions going for short yardage. His game-high was only a 24-yard catch, while positive game script against the Commanders allowed Dallas to ride the ground game in the second half. It was a disappointing end to an up-and-down, injury-impacted season for the veteran alpha receiver, who could fall to the tail end of the first round in coming fantasy drafts this offseason.

Lamb became the first Cowboys wideout since Michael Irvin to go over 1,000 yards for five straight seasons. And yet, you’re mad. Curious! Lamb was never really uninvolved, but couldn’t hit the big play and managed just a 2/7 receiving line in the red zone as Los Angeles’ defense constricted Dak Prescott’s throwing lanes. He’ll be an obvious WR1 against the Commanders in Week 17. We know that doesn’t help you right now.

Not a surprise after he made it back to the field today. Lamb is in line for a WR1 workload against the Chargers in Week 16. Lamb missed the first two days of practice this week, though he was taking mental reps and otherwise involved on Thursday. Managers can plug him right into the lineup and worry about their other spots.

Lamb has missed the first two days of practice due to an illness, but his getting on the field in any capacity should be a good sign for his Week 16 availability. Players sidelined with illnesses tend to be good to go by game day, so we’d expect a positive report on Lamb before the weekend when the team releases its final injury report.

ESPN’s Todd Archer reports that Lamb “was involved in the meetings this morning,” which is encouraging for his Week 16 availability. The Cowboys (6-7-1) are clinging to the playoff bubble. Unless something goes awry, they should have their No. 1 wide receiver on the field for their Week 16 game against the Chargers. He is a WR1 if active.

This is probably nothing, but it’s worth having on the radar if you are continuing on Lamb for fantasy production. Lamb should be able to play through the issue as long as he practices in some capacity this week. Coming off a 111-yard outing versus the Vikings, Lamb will be locked in for a WR1 ranking as long as he gets cleared to play.