Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Isiah Pacheco

Wednesday, December 31, 5:12 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (shoulder) was initially expected to be limited in Wednesday's practice. However, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports that Williams isn't included on the Week 18 injury report, suggesting he put in a full practice on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Malik Davis (calf, eye) was a non-participant. Williams has been a top-10 fantasy RB in his first year in Dallas as their unquestioned lead back. However, the 25-year-old former Denver Broncos running back could be much riskier for starting lineups this weekend in a meaningless Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival New York Giants. Williams appears to be healthy enough to play on Sunday, but Dallas could give rookie Jaydon Blue some run with an eye towards next season. We should have a clearer picture of how Dallas' backfield will shake out later this week.

Monday, December 29, 10:20 PM

Across 13 games this season, Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has recorded 563 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 137 touches. The 26-year-old has not recorded more than 34 rushing yards in a game or scored a rushing touchdown since Week 8. However, Pacheco maintains a consistent role in the Kansas City offense, averaging over 11 touches per game over the last three weeks. Pacheco appears to have wrestled the RB1 role for the Chiefs away from fellow back Kareem Hunt, as he's earned double the touches of Hunt over that same three-game period. Kansas City has been consistently chasing points during its ongoing five-game losing streak, which limits opportunities to run the football. However, the Chiefs could have a chance to play with a lead in their Week 18 matchup against the lowly Las Vegas Raiders. In fantasy leagues with 10 or more teams, Pacheco could be a running back worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.