Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Tahj Brooks

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.

Monday, November 24, 1:36 PM

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has ruled out rookie running back Tahj Brooks (concussion) for this Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, according to Jay Morrison of SI.com. Brooks suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, and on a short week, the 23-year-old won't be able to clear the league's concussion protocol. Veteran Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games due to injury and might not be available this week, either, so the Bengals' backfield could be extremely thin behind Chase Brown this week versus Baltimore. If Perine ends up missing a third straight game, expect Gary Brightwell to operate as Cincy's RB2 behind Brown on Turkey Day. Brooks has only nine rushing attempts in 11 games this year for 28 rushing yards.