Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Jerome Ford

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, 4:41 PM

The Cleveland Browns have placed running back Jerome Ford (shoulder) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday. With only four games remaining, Ford's season will come to an end after suffering a shoulder injury during Cleveland's Week 14 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The 26-year-old totaled 24 carries for 73 yards to go with 26 receptions (32 targets) for 103 yards in 13 games this season as Cleveland's primary passing-down back. His role gradually faded as the season went along, playing just 21.8% of the offensive snaps since Week 7. Rookie Quinshon Judkins will continue to lead Cleveland's backfield, while rookie Dylan Sampson will be the main beneficiary of Ford's absence and should be considered as a waiver-wire pickup in deep PPR leagues this week as RB depth.