Dallas Cowboys Stock Watch: Week 15 risers & fallers

Which Dallas Cowboys players saw their stock rise or fall after Week 15?
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The Dallas Cowboys on Sunday did their best impression of their glory days with hard-nosed football, dominating the run game alongside a stifling defense.

The Cowboys convincingly defeated the Carolina Panthers 30-14, showcasing multiple standout performances on both offense and defense.

Here are the Cowboys' players whose stock rose or fell after the Cowboys' win.

MORE: Is Rico Dowdle the Cowboys best UDFA since Tony Romo?


Fallers

Jake Ferguson, TE

Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods (25) tackles Dallas Cowboys tight end Jak
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Jake Ferguson has quickly become a fan favorite in Dallas, and after receiving Pro Bowl honors, many were expecting a breakout year from him.

However, Ferguson has dealt with injuries and has failed to make a significant impact. On Sunday, Ferguson had two catches for 23 yards on four targets. His numbers aren't too discouraging, considering the Cowboys didn't need to pass the ball much.

However, when Ferguson has missed time this season, both Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford have performed exceptionally well, raising doubts about Ferguson's future role with the team.

This raises questions about whether Ferguson will remain a key piece moving forward and whether he will sign a second contract in Dallas.


Jonathan Mingo, WR

 Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (15) makes a diving catch against the Chicago Bears
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For the second straight game, Jonathan Mingo failed to register a catch. On Sunday, Mingo saw limited playing time and did not receive a single target.

While the Cowboys' wide receiver group has shown overall improvement as the season has progressed, Mingo has seemingly regressed.

It is particularly surprising that he failed to receive any targets, considering the Cowboys traded a fourth-round pick for him before the trade deadline to bolster their wide receiver corps ahead of the offseason.


Amani Oruwariye, DB

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) with the ball as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Amani Oruwariye
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In a game where the Cowboys' defense absolutely dominated, Oruwariye was constantly targeted and was the only Cowboys defensive back to allow a receiving touchdown—an 83-yard pass at the end of the second half.

Oruwariye finished with three solo tackles and zero pass deflections, making him undoubtedly the weak link in an otherwise formidable defensive performance.


Risers

Rico Dowdle, RB

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) with the ball as Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods
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Rico Dowdle has improved each week this season, which is exactly what the Cowboys need from their starting running back. Since Dowdle took over as the full-time running back, the Cowboys have had their best run-game since Ezekiel Elliott's early seasons in the league.

On Sunday, Dowdle had a career day with 25 carries for a career-high 149 yards, averaging six yards per carry. His performance helped the Cowboys surpass their previous season-high team rushing yards by 55 yards.

MORE: Rico Dowdle is the NFL's best running back in the last 3 weeks


Osa Odighizuwa, DT

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa
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Osa Odighizuwa is having a career year in the final season of his rookie contract, adding to the list of star players the Cowboys will need to re-sign.

On Sunday, Odighizuwa recorded four total tackles, three solo tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and four quarterback hits.

He has been one of the league's best interior pass rushers and has continually increased his value as the season has progressed.


CeeDee Lamb, WR

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers safety Jordan Fuller
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Outside of Rico Dowdle, CeeDee Lamb was the only Cowboys' weapon to make a significant impact on Sunday. Lamb surpassed 100 yards receiving for just the second time this season, finishing with nine catches for 116 yards and a touchdown.

Lamb became just the second player in Cowboys history, alongside Michael Irvin, to achieve four straight seasons of 1,000 receiving yards. It is still early, but Lamb is currently well on pace for a Hall of Fame career.


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