Who Should I Start? Kyren Williams or Zach Charbonnet

Friday, September 6, 6:36 PM

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams is one of the best fantasy options at his position but faces a tough matchup against the Lions in Week 1. In what should be a high-scoring game, the Rams figure to exploit the passing game against Detroit which allowed 15.79 fantasy points to opposing running backs last season, the best mark in the NFL in that category. Put another way, the Lions were the stiffest test for fantasy running backs last season. That could continue into this season. Williams made some plays in the passing game last season so that could help him a bit in this matchup. The other wild card is the unknown usage of rookie Blake Corum, who theoretically could take away goal-line carries from Williams. Add it all up and this is not an ideal matchup for Williams. Fantasy managers will still likely want to start Williams without a better option in most cases. But expectations should be lowered in Week 1.

Thursday, September 5, 8:40 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is better left on your bench in Week 1 when the Seahawks host the Denver Broncos. The Broncos had one of the league's worst rushing defenses in 2023. However, Charbonnet is unlikely to see a large enough rushing share to be effective for fantasy. If history is any indication, Kenneth Walker III has a firm grip on the starting running back position. Charbonnet has high-end insurance value, but he is better left alone in Week 1.