Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or TreVeyon Henderson

Monday, October 6, 6:57 PM

If it wasn't already clear that Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams is the team's lead back after his big game in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, head coach Brian Schottenheimer reiterated it on Monday when he said, "Javonte's the bell-cow. He's earned that." Williams dominated the Jets in the 37-22 victory, carrying the rock 16 times for 135 yards and a touchdown while adding a touchdown reception. It was the 25-year-old's first 100-yard rushing performance since his rookie season in 2021 with the Denver Broncos. It helped that backup Miles Sanders (ankle, knee) was inactive on Sunday, but even so, Williams is Dallas' clear lead back going forward. He appears to be fully healthy and is making the Cowboys' one-year deal look pretty darn good right now. Williams has cemented himself into must-start status in fantasy with 525 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns through five games, and he could have a second straight big performance in Week 6 in a matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

Saturday, October 4, 10:24 AM

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson has not yet emerged as the team's lead back, and therefore, he's tough to trust as a fantasy starter heading into Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Henderson is the future lead back in New England, but through the first four games of his career, the backfield has belonged to Rhamondre Stevenson. During that span, Henderson has a modest 36.6 percent snap share, 97 rushing yards, 87 receiving yards, and one touchdown. He's averaging just 3.7 yards per carry but still works his way onto the field thanks to his draft capital, his pass-blocking skills, and Stevenson's fumbling issues. With that said, Stevenson projects as the lead running back once again in Week 5, leaving Henderson in the backup role and therefore largely dependent on finding the end zone. The Bills have allowed the ninth-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns, and 13th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, leaving Henderson as a low-end RB3/flex who can be benched in leagues with 10 or fewer teams.