Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Jaleel McLaughlin

Wednesday, April 8, 1:20 AM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams had the backfield to himself for most of the 2025 season, and we could see a similar dynamic in 2026. The Cowboys re-signed Williams to keep him in tow as their primary ball-carrier. He's coming off a breakout campaign in which he finished as the overall RB12 with 1,201 rushing yards, 35 catches, 137 receiving yards, and a career-high 13 total touchdowns. That type of production typically earns a big role the following year, and Williams should continue to thrive with consistent volume. It's great news that the Cowboys' lead back faces minimal competition within his position group. Jaydon Blue, the current favorite to back up Williams, was a healthy scratch more often than not, playing in just five games. The Cowboys have a willingness to get running backs more involved in Year 2 after a patient rookie season, but Blue might need a little more time than that. As a result, Williams' track record as a low-end RB1 is simply too hard to ignore.