Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Jonathon Brooks

Friday, October 18, 12:14 AM

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams went off in the team's 33-10 blowout victory over the hosting New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football, carrying the ball 14 times for a season-high 88 yards and his first two touchdowns of the year. He also caught all three of his targets for 23 yards. His first score was an eight-yard scamper in which he went untouched to the end zone. The 24-year-old had just one game of double-digit fantasy points coming into this one, but after his first career two-touchdown game, it's clear he's still the unquestioned lead back in Denver. Williams and the Broncos took care of business against a Saints defense that played uninspired football, and after this big game, fantasy managers will surely consider Williams for a starting lineup spot in another plus-plus matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 8.

Friday, October 18, 1:10 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) was limited in Friday's practice but has been ruled out and won't make his NFL debut this weekend versus the Washington Commanders. Brooks made his return to practice for the first time this year on Wednesday while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last November while playing in college at Texas, so the 21-year-old wasn't realistically expected to play in Week 7. However, the 46th overall pick in this year's draft (the first RB off the board), could become a big part of Carolina's backfield alongside Chuba Hubbard later this year once he gets up to speed. Brooks will need to make more progress in practice next week to have a shot to make his debut for the Panthers in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos. He's worth stashing in all fantasy leagues.