Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Jaylen Warren

Thursday, December 4, 12:33 AM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams hasn't been as efficient a runner in recent games, but he still has one of the biggest workloads among RBs. In Weeks 1-7, Williams recorded 111 carries for 592 yards (5.2 yards per tote ) and six touchdowns while adding 23 receptions (32 targets) for 85 yards and a touchdown as a receiver, ranking as the RB7 in PPR points per game (19.0). Over the past five games, the 25-year-old has still been solid, but not quite as dynamic, with 87 carries for 363 yards (4.2 YPC) and two touchdowns to go with eight receptions (10 targets) for 43 yards and a touchdown. He still ranks as the RB20 with 13.3 PPR points per game in that span, which fantasy managers will take if that is considered his floor. Williams should be in line for a big workload again Thursday night versus the Detroit Lions in a game featuring the highest projected point total of the week. The Lions' defense has been stingy against the run, but Williams' body of work this year has made him matchup-proof.

Friday, December 5, 9:01 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has scored in two consecutive contests and will look to keep that momentum going in a Week 14 road matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have been below average against the run this season, surrendering over 4.4 yards per carry and 11 rushing touchdowns. Baltimore has also struggled to contain pass-catching running backs, allowing the seventh-most targets, ninth-most receptions, and eighth-most receiving yards to the position. Warren hasn't been as consistently utilized through the air as he was early in the season, but he remains fully capable as a check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist). Even with Kenneth Gainwell emerging as a reliable weapon for Pittsburgh, Warren is still the team's primary runner and preferred option on early downs. Fantasy managers should treat Warren as a solid RB2 heading into Sunday.