Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Jamaal Williams

Saturday, December 16, 10:54 AM

Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine (knee) was on the Week 15 injury report but has since been cleared and will play on Saturday evening against the Detroit Lions. Outside of maybe the deepest PPR setups, Perine is probably worth avoiding, especially against a Lions team that has allowed only 48 receptions on the year and zero receiving touchdowns to RBs. But although Perine was passed by rookie Jaleel McLaughlin around the midpoint of the season for the RB2 role in Denver, he has made a comeback and is once again the Broncos' preferred back on passing downs, catching all 15 of his targets for 112 yards (7.47 yards per reception) in the last four games. He's also added 11 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown. If the Broncos find themselves trailing big early, Perine could be more involved in the passing attack.

Sunday, January 7, 5:28 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams saw a team-high 14 carries with Alvin Kamara (ankle) on the shelf, but was largely ineffective as he gained just 26 yards on the ground. The veteran also caught three passes for eight yards. Rather than kneeling and running the clock out after an interception that was returned to the one-yard line with a minute left on the clock, the Saints opted to run Williams into the endzone for his first touchdown of the season. Head coach Dennis Allen apologized to Arthur Smith following the touchdown, which Smith was visibly upset with. Williams and the Saints will now await the result of both the Green Bay and Seattle games to see if their season is extended into Wild Card weekend.