If you pay attention to the social media warriors, they would tell you Ezekiel Elliott is washed. There’s more excitement surrounding Dalvin Cook in a Cowboys jersey for the first time, or the younger Rico Dowdle, or the versatile and agile Deuce Vaughn. But mark my words, Ezekiel Elliott will be the difference maker for the Dallas Cowboys.

Elliott was one of the best running backs in the NFL during his tenure in Dallas, if not the best at certain points. First-Team All-Pro selection as a rookie, 3-time Pro Bowler, and led the league in rushing twice. Elliott would become, at the time, the highest-paid running back at his position. And then a tide began to turn in Big D.

Tony Pollard was a change of pace running back, showing off his electricity. Fantasy owners went into a frenzy about Pollard being the guy in Dallas. Elliott, meanwhile, was having less flashy plays, and had the largest contract in the backfield. So to no surprise, after not agreeing to a paycut, Elliott was released from the team and would sign with the New England Patriots. Elliott finished his 7-year stint in Dallas with 8262 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns.

2023 was not ideal for Pollard or Elliott. Pollard was coming back from a broken leg and lost his explosiveness. Elliott went from running behind the Cowboys offensive line to the Patriots offensive line, while downgrading from quarterback as well. With no aerial threat in Foxborough, Elliott was at a disadvantage.

But so was Dallas. Not only did Pollard lose some explosiveness, but the Cowboys didn’t have a running back to protect Dak Prescott in the passing game. The Cowboys didn’t have a running back at the goal-line or in third-and-short situations. And with those key moments in the game, it can win or lose a team the game.

This is why you need to bet on Ezekiel Elliott. The beloved locker room leader returns to Dallas to a locker room and organization that embraces his personality and energy, on and off the field. At 29 years old, he can still make a difference for a team in those situations. And if nothing else, he can provide a leadership role to a young Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn.

Should you expect the Ohio State version of Ezekiel Elliott? No, that’s unreasonable. But Zeke is still a serviceable starter in the NFL in 2024, especially when he runs behind an offensive line like the Cowboys have. All-Pros in Tyler Smith and Zack Martin at guard, 1st-round pick Tyler Guyton, 3rd-round rookie Cooper Beebe, and Terence Steele who has the 10th-highest contract in Cowboys history. Especially when he has Dak Prescott for defenses to worry about, over Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones.

It’s all about the right situation. This is the best case scenario for all parties involved, and if you haven’t done your fantasy draft yet, I’d highly recommend drafting Elliott in later rounds. He’ll finish the year with 11 touchdowns and be a strong candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.