Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Tyjae Spears

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.

Monday, October 6, 9:09 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears made his return in Week 5 from a high ankle that kept him out for the first four games of the season. Spears saw limited usage in his first game back, playing 17 total snaps and recording four carries for 14 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. However, Titans head coach Brian Callahan said Spears' role will increase in future weeks, per Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. The 24-year-old recorded 536 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns on 114 total touches across 12 games last season. Spears and Titans back Tony Pollard will split backfield work to some degree once Spears is fully healthy and re-integrated into the offense. For now, Spears should be rostered by fantasy managers, but likely cannot be trusted as a starter in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders.