Who Should I Start? Kyren Williams or Dylan Sampson

Thursday, January 15, 10:30 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams carried the ball 13 times for 57 yards and added 18 receiving yards and a touchdown on two receptions in the 34-31 win over the Carolina Panthers. Williams saw a decreased workload this season as second-year back Blake Corum emerged, but he has been a factor in the receiving game more than in the past. The fourth-year back recorded his most receiving yards and receptions of his career, and that receiving production helped the Rams take down the Panthers in the Wild Card Round. He faces a Chicago Bears defense that has ranked middle-of-the-pack against running backs this season, despite allowing the fourth-most total yards of offense. In what should be a high-scoring game, Williams profiles as a top-three option at the running back position and could be a huge factor in the receiving game once again.

Saturday, January 3, 12:12 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries that sidelined him for two games in Week 17 and recorded 27 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) on Injured Reserve, Sampson should have a chance to lead his team's backfield once again in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has been one of the NFL's worst rush defenses in 2025, ranking 30th in the league in yards per carry allowed (5.2) and 32nd in runs of 20 or more yards allowed (19). Sampson will likely split touches with Browns backs Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams in Week 18, which limits his ceiling. However, Sampson has recorded 10 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets across his last four games, which provides a relatively safe PPR floor. Fantasy managers should view Sampson as a low-end flex option in Week 18 against Cincinnati.