Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Jaleel McLaughlin

Friday, December 12, 7:39 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams projects to be a must-start low-end RB1 on Sunday night when the Cowboys welcome the Minnesota Vikings. Last week, Williams continued his massive bounce-back campaign by punching in his ninth rushing score of the season and his 11th total score from scrimmage. Despite facing a Detroit defense that had allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing RBs this season, Williams racked up 14.7 PPR points and was quite effective with his opportunities, tallying 67 yards on 17 attempts. Since Week 11, the former first-round pick has posted a solid 4.0 YPC and averaged 13.5 PPR points per game. While his ceiling may be limited, facing a Vikings defense that has allowed the 12th-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs, Williams carries high upside to find the back of the end zone, playing on one of the sport's top offensive units. In addition, his massive workload as the lead back (averaging 76% of the team's total snaps) gives him a high floor, making him a must-start, low-end RB1, in all formats.

Tuesday, December 9, 10:03 PM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin was inactive for nine out of his team's first 10 games of the 2025 season. However, the 25-year-old has been pressed into a more prominent role in recent weeks after Denver lost veteran running back J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending foot injury in Week 10. Across the team's last three games, McLaughlin has recorded 75 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 19 touches. Broncos rookie back RJ Harvey has taken over the RB1 in Denver, which limits McLaughlin's upside. However, McLaughlin could now be one injury away from stepping into a lead role in the Broncos' backfield. In leagues with 12 or more teams, fantasy managers should consider stashing McLaughlin in a bench spot for his handcuff upside. Over the next three weeks, Denver will take on the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Kansas City Chiefs.