Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Jaleel McLaughlin


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
14.7 72.2 0.6 2.2 11.8 0.1

Javonte Williams News

Cowboys Could be Mindful of Javonte Williams' Workload

Friday, September 4, 2:22 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams enjoyed a career year in 2025 in his first year in Dallas, carrying the ball 252 times for 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 starts. He added 35 receptions on 51 targets for 137 yards and another two touchdowns as a receiver. The Cowboys and fantasy managers are expecting something similar for an encore in 2026 behind a strong offensive line. However, The Dallas Morning News' Joseph Hoyt reports that the Cowboys mentioned that they "wanted to be conscientious of the tread he was putting on his tires." Hoyt thinks that Williams getting back to the 252-carry mark from a year ago "feels like a stretch," and Dallas could lean more on No. 2 back Malik Davis. Still, Hoyt has Williams projected for another 1,000-yard season with nine rushing touchdowns on 215 carries. Fantasy managers selecting Williams as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 would be fine with that final stat line. RotoBaller currently has the former Denver Broncos RB ranked as the No. 12 overall option at his position.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jaleel McLaughlin News

Jaleel McLaughlin Signs Practice-Squad Deal with Browns

Tuesday, September 1, 5:11 PM

Veteran running back Jaleel McLaughlin has signed a practice-squad deal with the Cleveland Browns, per an announcement from the team. McLaughlin spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, but he fell out of the team's regular running back rotation in 2025 and was waived by Denver on Sunday. The Browns have a pair of second-year running backs atop their depth chart in Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. However, McLaughlin could potentially work his way into the backfield mix in Cleveland in the case of an injury. The 25-year-old has been efficient when given the opportunity to this point in his pro career, recording 1,356 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 285 touches across 41 career NFL games (nine starts). McLaughlin is not roster-worthy yet, but he could be a name to monitor on the waiver wire in deeper fantasy leagues.


Javonte Williams vs. Jaleel McLaughlin

Still trying to decide between Williams and McLaughlin? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Javonte Williams is projected to score 14.7 points this week while Jaleel McLaughlin is projected to score 0.0 points.