Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams' Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 8

The Dallas Cowboys entered Week 8's NFC East Monday night matchup with Washington ranked fourth in the NFL in total offense. Playmaking receivers Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams have played primary roles in helping America's Team sport an explosive, balanced attack.

While Bryant has lived up to his label as a WR1 in fantasy, Williams continues to be a pleasant surprise amid his second pro season. Washington's sixth-ranked pass defense did a decent job keeping the Cowboys' top two receivers in check amid Dallas' 20-17 overtime loss.

But on one powerful reception, Bryant showed how much of a beast he can be in rumbling in for a five-yard touchdown reception from Romo with 4:52 left in the second quarter.

Finding paydirt is something Bryant and his fantasy owners have grown accustomed to, per ESPN Stats & Info:

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Cleveland.com's Chris Fedor weighed in on Bryant's extraordinary individual effort:

After a few seasons of mediocrity, Bryant described the change in Dallas' mentality in an October 9 report by The Dallas Morning News' Jon Machota.

"I think the preparation wasn't there, and I can tell you that it's a totally different mindset here in this locker room," said Bryant. "It's just different here. We're going to go out there and compete and try to get this W."

That quote wasn't as appropriate in light of the bottom-line result of Monday's divisional clash, but it was a hard-fought affair that saw Romo leave for much of the second half with an injury.

Player	REC	YDS	TD	Fantasy Points
Dez Bryant	3	30	1	9
Terrance Williams	6	69	0	6

Fumbles by superstar running back DeMarco Murray and Joseph Randle stalled two of Dallas' first-half possessions on Monday. Murray also had two explosive plays in the passing game in addition to continuing his prolific prowess on the ground.

Romo's ailing back somewhat clouds the fantasy future of the Cowboys' passing attack, but he did at least reenter the game.

In deeper leagues, depending on the opponent the Cowboys are facing, Williams is a worthy WR2 candidate, thanks to his pre-Week 8 big-play tendency (17.8 yards per catch, six TDs). Fantasy owners could do a lot worse than play Williams at the flex spot too.

It's hard to think of a much better combination of youth and production than Bryant and Williams with regard to prospective handcuff receivers. Romo's health and longevity will go a long way in determining how great Williams becomes and whether Bryant continues to play at a Pro Bowl level.