Dez Bryant's Updated 2013 Fantasy Outlook After Week 4

There aren't many wide receivers who are absolute must-starts in fantasy football each week. 

Dallas Cowboys playmaker Dez Bryant is one who finds himself in that category. 

You might think that's already common knowledge, but after catching just four passes and less than 40 receiving yards in two of his first three games of the 2013 season, there might be a few owners who decided to trust another wideout in Week 4. 

Big mistake. 

Bryant exploded for three receptions, 53 yards and two touchdowns in the first half against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. Although the Cowboys suffered a 30-21 loss, Bryant once again proved that being Tony Romo's No. 1 target in a high-powered offense bodes well for fantasy greatness. 

Of course, it also helps that the former Oklahoma State star is a physical freak. FantasyGuru.com noted as much on Bryant's first touchdown catch on Sunday:

Regardless of field position or where he lines up, Bryant is a threat to take it to the house. Although the Chargers didn't let him get loose for giant numbers in the second half, he'll likely wind up as one of the top scorers at his position on Tuesday morning. 

He would finish the afternoon with six catches for 81 yards and the two touchdowns, adding some late receptions to his total as Dallas went to the air to try and quell its second-half deficit against San Diego. 

If you own Bryant in any format, it would be wise to keep him in the lineup unless the Cowboys have a bye. Conversely, accept nothing short of A.J. Green, Victor Cruz, Calvin Johnson or a clear-cut WR1 in a straight-up trade. 

Double/triple coverage, ball dispersion to other weapons (Jason Witten, Miles Austin, Terrance Williams) and the occasional DeMarco Murray rushing outburst threaten to cut into Bryant's fantasy points, but those factors pale in comparison to the trust Romo has in his top receiver. 

Bryant is a star both on the field and in fantasy football, and should be treated as such moving forward. 

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