Cowboys-Raiders Game’s Highlights: NFL Week 11 Recap and Key Fantasy Football Takeaways

The Cowboys-Raiders game in NFL Week 11 delivered major shifts in player usage, standout performances, and new fantasy football trends. The matchup featured surprising lineup decisions, heavy tight end formations by the Raiders, and dominant numbers from CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens once they entered the field.

The main keyword, Cowboys-Raiders Game’s Highlights, reflects the biggest storylines from a game that reshaped several fantasy outlooks for Week 12 and beyond. Analysts from trusted outlets, including PFF, reviewed snap counts, personnel groupings, and role changes to break down what matters most for fantasy managers.

Key Fantasy Takeaways From the Cowboys-Raiders Game’s Highlights

The Raiders opened the night with an aggressive shift toward multi-tight-end football. They used 13 personnel on 10 first-half snaps, far more than any game this season. They also ran 12 personnel on 18 snaps and used 11 personnel only nine times in the first half. This aligns with earlier reporting from PFF, which noted the Raiders’ investment in tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. Reuters and other major outlets have previously documented Las Vegas’ offensive experimentation throughout the year.

Bowers’ role increased sharply. He logged his highest seasonal snap rate, played fewer traditional tight end snaps, and spent more time in the slot and out wide. This shift restored the usage he enjoyed at the end of last season. Mayer also maintained a strong workload, but Bowers now holds a more expanded receiving role, raising his long-term fantasy value.

The Raiders’ receiver room saw limited action. Tre Tucker functioned as the only every-down wideout, while Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Tyler Lockett rotated as secondary options. With Las Vegas using four active tight ends and only four wide receivers, Tucker remains the lone viable fantasy option among them. The team had Geno Smith drop back on over 90% of first-half plays, one of the rarest pass-heavy splits in a decade. This left running back Ashton Jeanty with minimal rushing opportunities.

For Dallas, the Cowboys-Raiders Game’s Highlights included a surprising benching. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens missed the opening drive due to an undisclosed disciplinary matter. Similar decisions around the league were reported by AP in previous weeks. Lamb and Pickens returned on the second drive and still produced over 200 combined receiving yards with two touchdowns. Their snap counts dipped only slightly because of minor mid-series rotations.

The Cowboys also adjusted the WR3 role. Ryan Flournoy and KaVontae Turpin split responsibilities more evenly, with Flournoy handling early run-heavy sets and Turpin taking more 11-personnel snaps. Flournoy remains the most likely next-man-up if the Cowboys lose Lamb or Pickens to injury.

How These Week 11 Changes Shape Fantasy Decisions

The Cowboys-Raiders Game’s Highlights offer several takeaways for fantasy football managers. First, Brock Bowers’ expanded role should carry into the second half of the season. His alignment and snap improvement suggests Las Vegas plans to feature him as a receiver rather than rotate him situationally.

Second, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens remain elite fantasy starters, even after a disciplinary benching. Their high yardage totals and touchdown production show no long-term concern. Dallas’ commitment to getting them involved reinforces their top-tier value.

Third, Tre Tucker becomes a deeper-league fantasy add. With Jakobi Meyers gone and Las Vegas prioritizing tight ends, Tucker is the only stable wide receiver option in the Raiders’ system.

The Cowboys-Raiders Game’s Highlights ultimately showed evolving formations, returning star power, and valuable trends for fantasy managers heading into Week 12. This matchup provided clear direction for roster moves, waiver priorities, and playoff planning.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What were the biggest Cowboys-Raiders Game’s Highlights in Week 11?

The biggest highlights were the dominance of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens and the Raiders’ heavy use of multi-tight-end sets. Brock Bowers’ expanded role was a major storyline.

Q2: Why did CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens miss the first drive?

They were kept out for an undisclosed disciplinary reason. They returned on the second drive and performed at their usual high level.

Q3: Is Brock Bowers now a reliable fantasy starter?

Yes. His Week 11 snap share, alignment changes, and slot usage signal long-term involvement in the Raiders’ offense.

Q4: Which Raiders wide receiver has the most fantasy value?

Tre Tucker is the only reliable option. Other receivers rotated too much to offer consistent value.

Q5: Did the Cowboys change their third wide receiver strategy?

Yes. Turpin and Flournoy shared work, but Flournoy remains the likely next-man-up if an injury occurs.