Who Should I Start? Jamaal Williams or Jaylen Wright

Saturday, September 28, 4:23 AM

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams could be in line for improved production in Week 4. Over the first three weeks of the season, he has not had much to offer from a fantasy standpoint with the Saints dedicated to force-feeding Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs). Kamara popped up on the injury report this week, though, and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. If Kamara ends up getting a week off then Williams will soak up much of that work but would face some competition from a now-healthy Taysom Hill (chest). Williams played in three of the four games Kamara missed in 2023 and logged 41 rushing attempts for 100 yards, and a touchdown on the ground, and nine catches for 28 receiving yards. Modest totals for sure, but this year's version of the Saints offense has been far more dynamic with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in charge. Fantasy managers desperate for running back help should monitor pre-game injury reports and only plug Williams into lineups if Kamara is ruled out.

Sunday, October 6, 4:48 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright toted the rock 13 times for 86 yards in the team's 15-10 victory over their division-rival New England Patriots. The rookie easily saw his most extensive workload of the season in the win and was efficient with his touches (6.6 YPC) -- leading the team in rushing despite seeing six fewer carries than Raheem Mostert (4.2 YPC). The former Volunteer was thrust into a more prominent role early in the first half when running back De'Von Achane (concussion) left the game and did not return. Wright's long gain of the contest was a 17-yard scamper in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing drive, the fourth-round pick ripped off another chunk gain of 16 yards, eventually leading to the team's second touchdown since Week 2 -- a 3-yard dive by fullback Alec Ingold. Wright was actually in on the scoring play; he just didn't have his number called. It's a nice performance by the rookie and a strong rushing performance for the Dolphins as a whole -- totaling 193 yards on the ground. With Miami heading into their bye week, Achane will have extra time to clear the league's protocol before they take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7. It's unlikely that Wright would garner such an extensive workload with the second-year back healthy. However, at least the rookie has proven he has the chops to be a difference-maker.