Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Chase Brown

Friday, October 10, 9:59 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams has been one of the best backs in the league early in the season. The 25-year-old has found a new home in Dallas and appears to be earning himself a nice payday at the end of the season. Last week, Williams rushed 16 times for a season-high 135 yards with a touchdown in the win over the New York Jets. Williams has rushed for over 75 yards in four of the first five games this season. He remains an elite RB1 for the upcoming plus-matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6.

Saturday, October 11, 11:34 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown hasn't played well this season. After scoring a touchdown in the Bengals' Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns, the 25-year-old hasn't visited the end zone since then. He only had eight carries for 27 yards in Week 5 versus the Lions. Fortunately, Brown made up for it by catching seven of his eight targets for 21 yards. Cincinnati won the first two games of the 2025 campaign. Unfortunately, the Bengals have lost their last three contests, so the team is desperately looking for a win in Week 6 against Green Bay. Joe Flacco, who was recently acquired in a trade with the Browns, will get the start under center for that one. However, Flacco's knowledge of the playbook will presumably be limited, meaning Brown may see more touches than normal while potentially getting an uptick in short passes out of the backfield. With that said, the Packers defense has been a challenge for opposing offenses throughout the year, which isn't good news for Brown, Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase (illness), and Tee Higgins. Still, the 2023 No. 163 overall pick remains worthy of a start in all fantasy formats based on his upside alone, especially for managers with limited options at the running back position.