Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Jerome Ford

Friday, December 20, 12:27 AM

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams certainly had a bigger role in the offense with Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) out in the Thursday night loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, but not in the way that many would have predicted. Williams took a back seat to rookie Audric Estime on the ground in the 34-27 loss with only four carries for 24 yards (6.0 yards per tote), but he surprisingly led the team in targets (11), securing a team-high and season-high seven catches for 29 yards through the air. Rookie QB Bo Nix was content to check it down most of the night, with Williams benefitting. The 24-year-old came into Thursday's game with a disappointing 3.5 yard-per-carry average on the ground, although he was much more efficient on limited touches against LA. It's unlikely he'll be this involved in the passing game again, but if McLaughlin misses another game, Williams will have RB3/flex appeal in a plus matchup against Cincinnati in Week 17.

Friday, December 20, 5:43 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford found the end zone on a 62-yard rush in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15. He will take over as the Browns' starting running back after Nick Chubb (foot) was lost for the remainder of the season with a broken foot. Ford will take on a Cincinnati defense that is allowing the 17th-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs. With the Browns slated to give quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson his first start of the season, there's a chance they could lean on the run a bit more than usual against the Bengals. That, plus his ability in the passing game, puts Ford in play as a solid RB2 in fantasy heading into Week 16.