Malik Davis Start or Sit: Week 13 Fantasy Football Advice

Week 13 in fantasy football is crunch time. Playoff spots are on the line, and every lineup decision feels like a high-stakes gamble. If you’re debating whether to start or sit Malik Davis in your fantasy lineup this week, you’re not alone. The Dallas Cowboys’ backup ruing back has flashed potential in limited opportunities, but is he a reliable flex option—or just a risky dart throw?

In this guide, we’ll break down Davis’ recent performance, his Week 13 matchup, and the key factors that should influence your decision. Whether you’re a Cowboys fan, a fantasy manager scrambling for a win, or just curious about the latest NFL trends, this analysis will help you make an informed call.

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Who Is Malik Davis?

Malik Davis is a second-year ruing back for the Dallas Cowboys, drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While he’s primarily served as a depth piece behind Tony Pollard and Rico Dowdle, injuries and game script have occasionally opened the door for Davis to contribute. His role is mostly as a change-of-pace back, but he’s shown glimpses of explosiveness when given the chance.

Key Stats (2023 Season)

Rushing: 45 carries, 210 yards (4.7 YPC), 1 TD
Receiving: 8 receptions, 56 yards, 0 TDs
Snaps: Averaging ~10-15% of offensive snaps per game

Davis isn’t a workhorse back, but his efficiency (4.7 yards per carry) suggests he could be a sneaky fantasy asset if his workload increases. The question is: Will Week 13 be that week?

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Why Malik Davis Is on Fantasy Radars in Week 13

Several factors make Davis an intriguing—though volatile—fantasy option this week:

1. Injury Concerns for Tony Pollard

Pollard, the Cowboys’ lead back, has been dealing with a lingering thigh issue. While he’s expected to play, his snap count could be limited, especially if Dallas builds an early lead. In Week 12, Pollard played just 58% of snaps (his lowest since Week 6), while Davis saw a season-high 20% snap share. If Pollard is less than 100%, Davis could vulture 8-12 touches.

2. Favorable Matchup vs. the Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks’ run defense has been middle-of-the-pack this season, allowing 112.3 rushing yards per game (16th in the NFL). However, they’ve struggled against explosive backs—like Davis—who can break tackles. Seattle has given up 4.4 yards per carry to RBs, and their linebackers are susceptible to missed tackles (ranked 22nd in tackle efficiency, per PFF).

If Davis gets 10+ touches, he could turn a few into chunk gains.

3. Cowboys’ Offensive Firepower

Dallas boasts the #1-ranked offense in the NFL (30.5 PPG), and their red-zone efficiency (68% TD rate) means more scoring opportunities for all skill players. Even as a backup, Davis has a shot at a touchdown if the Cowboys get goal-line carries. In Week 12, he scored on a 1-yard plunge—proving he can capitalize in short-yardage situations.

4. Fantasy Playoff Implications

Week 13 is the last week of the regular season in most fantasy leagues. If you’re fighting for a playoff spot, Davis’ upside (10+ PPR points) might be worth the risk over a low-ceiling veteran like, say, D’Onta Foreman or Ty Chandler. His boom-or-bust profile fits the “desperation flex” mold.

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Why You Might Want to Sit Malik Davis

Before you lock Davis into your lineup, consider the risks:

1. Unpredictable Workload

Even if Pollard is limited, Davis is still competing with Rico Dowdle for backup snaps. Dowdle has been the more trusted pass-catching back (12 targets in the last 4 games), which caps Davis’ ceiling in PPR formats. In Week 12, Davis out-touched Dowdle 9-5, but that split could flip in any given week.

2. Game Script Dependence

Davis’ best fantasy outputs have come in blowout wins (e.g., Week 12 vs. Washington, where he scored late). If the Seahawks keep this game close—Seattle’s offense is no slouch—Davis might only see 5-6 touches. The Cowboys could also abandon the run if they fall behind early, limiting Davis’ opportunities.

3. Limited Receiving Upside

Davis has just 8 receptions all season, and he’s not a primary check-down option for Dak Prescott. In PPR leagues, his floor is dangerously low unless he scores. For comparison, backs like Jaylen Warren or Chuba Hubbard offer more consistent receiving volume.

4. Better Alternatives on the Waiver Wire

If you’re streaming ruing backs, Week 13 offers higher-floor options like:

Ty Chandler (MIN) – Lead back with Alexander Mattison out.
Zamir White (LV) – Josh Jacobs is banged up.
Roschon Johnson (CHI) – Getting more work with D’Onta Foreman struggling.

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Malik Davis Week 13 Projection

Based on the matchup, injury context, and recent usage, here’s a realistic range for Davis in Week 13:

Stat	Low-End	Mid-Range	High-End
Rush Attempts	4	8	12
Rush Yards	15	40	70
Receptions	0	1	3
Receiving Yards	0	10	25
Total TDs	0	0.5	1
PPR Points	3.5	8.0	15+

Verdict: Davis is a high-risk, moderate-reward flex play in Week 13. He’s best suited for:

Desperate fantasy managers in standard leagues (where TDs matter more).
DFS tournament lineups (his salary is cheap, and he has TD upside).
Managers who can’t afford a dud (if you’re heavily favored, sit him).

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Expert Consensus: Start or Sit?

Fantasy analysts are split on Davis, but the lean is slightly toward sit unless you’re in a deep league or desperate for a flex. Here’s what the experts say:

Start Malik Davis If:

Tony Pollard is ruled out or limited (check Sunday inactives).
You’re in a standard league and need a lottery-ticket TD.
Your alternatives are worse high-risk options (e.g., Latavius Murray, Keaontay Ingram).

Sit Malik Davis If:

You have a safe RB3/WR3 (e.g., Rhamondre Stevenson, Drake London).
You’re in a PPR league and need a reliable floor.
The Cowboys fall behind early (game script kills his usage).

FantasyPros ECR Rank (Week 13): RB45 (flex-worthy in 12-team leagues)

NumberFire Projection: 7.8 PPR points

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Alternative Plays to Consider

If you’re unsure about Davis, here are three widely available backs with similar or better upside in Week 13:

1. Ty Chandler (MIN) – 55% Rostered

Why? Alexander Mattison is out, making Chandler the clear lead back against the Las Vegas Raiders (28th vs. RBs in fantasy points allowed). He’s a top-20 RB play this week.

2. Zamir White (LV) – 40% Rostered

Why? Josh Jacobs is dealing with a calf issue, and White has looked explosive in limited work (5.1 YPC in 2023). The Vikings’ run defense is porous (4.6 YPC allowed to RBs).

3. Roschon Johnson (CHI) – 30% Rostered

Why? D’Onta Foreman has been ineffective (3.2 YPC), and Johnson is getting more snaps. The Broncos’ defense is tough, but Johnson’s receiving upside (3+ targets per game) gives him a safe floor.

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Final Decision: Should You Start Malik Davis in Week 13?

After weighing the pros and cons, here’s the bottom line:

✅ Start Malik Davis if:

You’re in a standard league and need a home-run swing.
Tony Pollard is limited or out (monitor pre-game reports).
Your other options are equally risky (e.g., Salvon Ahmed, Pierre Strong).

❌ Sit Malik Davis if:

You’re in a PPR league and can pivot to a pass-catching back.
You have a safe RB3/WR3 with a better floor.
The Cowboys’ offense struggles early (game script kills his value).

Best-Case Scenario: Pollard is limited, Dallas builds a lead, and Davis punches in a short TD while adding 50+ scrimmage yards (12+ PPR points).

Worst-Case Scenario: Pollard handles 15+ touches, and Davis gets 4 carries for 12 yards (2 PPR points).

For most fantasy managers, Davis is a “only if you have to” play. If you’re in a must-win spot and need upside, he’s a viable dart throw. Otherwise, the safer options (Chandler, White, Johnson) are likely better bets.

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How to Monitor Malik Davis’ Status Before Kickoff

If you’re still on the fence, here’s how to make the final call:

Check Friday/Saturday injury reports: If Pollard is questionable or limited in practice, Davis’ stock rises.
Watch Sunday inactives (11:30 AM ET): If Pollard is active but not 100%, Davis could see 10+ touches.
Follow pre-game warmups: Beat reporters like Jon Machota (Cowboys insider) often share snap projections.
Consider the game script: If the Cowboys jump out to an early lead (e.g., 14-0 in the first quarter), Davis’ chances of vulture TDs increase.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a DFS contest, Davis is a cheap (<$4K on DraftKings) high-upside play in Cowboys stacks (pair him with Dak Prescott or CeeDee Lamb).

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Week 13 Fantasy Football Tips Beyond Malik Davis

While Davis is a hot waiver wire topic, don’t overlook these Week 13 trends:

Start Your Studs: Even in “bad matchups,” elite players like Christian McCaffrey or Justin Jefferson should stay in your lineup.
Stream Defenses: The Browns (vs. Rams) and Packers (vs. Chiefs) are top streaming options.
Handcuff RBs: With injuries piling up, stash Elijah Mitchell (SF) or Israel Abanikanda (NYJ) if you have bench space.
Avoid Overreacting to One Week: Players like Tank Dell (coming off a dud) are still must-starts.

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Conclusion: Trust the Process, Not the Hype

Malik Davis is the classic “high-variance flex play”—the kind of player who can win you a week or leave you scrambling for excuses. In Week 13, his upside is tied to Tony Pollard’s health and the Cowboys’ game plan. If both break his way, he could be a league-wiing sleeper. If not, he might not even crack your starting lineup next week.

For most fantasy managers, the safer play is to pivot to a back with a clearer role (like Ty Chandler or Zamir White). But if you’re in a must-win spot and need a lottery ticket, Davis isn’t a terrible gamble—just don’t bet your season on him.

Fantasy football is about managing risk, and in Week 13, Davis is all risk with a sprinkle of reward. Play the odds, trust your gut, and may your flex spot bring you glory.

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Tags: Cowboys, DFS, fantasy football, flex play, Malik Davis, NFL injuries, RB sleeper, start or sit, Tony Pollard, waiver wire, Week 13

Kebun Firdaus