Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Javonte Williams

Thursday, December 4, 1:11 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine missed two games due to an ankle injury, but he returned in the Thanksgiving night win over the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday and had one fewer carry than starter Chase Brown in the 32-14 victory. Perine surprisingly had a season-high 14 rushing attempts in his return from injury, but he didn't do much with the additional opportunities, gaining just 39 yards on the ground (2.8 yards per carry) while also losing his second fumble of the year. The 30-year-old veteran added two receptions for 15 yards. Now that he's back to full health, Perine should continue to work as Cincy's RB2 behind Brown, but fantasy managers can't bank on him seeing double-digit carries again as the Bengals head into a Week 14 date with the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. At best, Perine is a handcuff for Brown in deeper fantasy football leagues.

Thursday, December 4, 12:33 AM

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams hasn't been as efficient a runner in recent games, but he still has one of the biggest workloads among RBs. In Weeks 1-7, Williams recorded 111 carries for 592 yards (5.2 yards per tote ) and six touchdowns while adding 23 receptions (32 targets) for 85 yards and a touchdown as a receiver, ranking as the RB7 in PPR points per game (19.0). Over the past five games, the 25-year-old has still been solid, but not quite as dynamic, with 87 carries for 363 yards (4.2 YPC) and two touchdowns to go with eight receptions (10 targets) for 43 yards and a touchdown. He still ranks as the RB20 with 13.3 PPR points per game in that span, which fantasy managers will take if that is considered his floor. Williams should be in line for a big workload again Thursday night versus the Detroit Lions in a game featuring the highest projected point total of the week. The Lions' defense has been stingy against the run, but Williams' body of work this year has made him matchup-proof.