Remember that Family Guy episode where Peter had the choice between a boat and a mystery box that he hoped would be a boat? That’s how I view Javonte Williams at his cost.
Should You Draft Javonte Williams in Fantasy Football?
Breece Hall and Cam Skattebo are generally coming off the board in this range: if they can connect the dots, maybe they can be what Williams was a year ago (1,338 yards and 13 TDs).
Their path there might include a few more highlights, but all numbers count the same, and I see no reason to pencil in much regression for Williams as he returns to the same offense.
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Javonte Williams’ Week 1 Fantasy Outlook
Williams’ 5 RB1 finishes last season weren’t overwhelming, but the 12 finishes as a top-24 option at the position are what you banked on when you drafted him.
Why can’t he repeat everything he did last season?
It may feel like he’s been around for a while, but he’s still just 26 years of age, and this offense is going to be just as potent as it was in 2025. The Giants were the worst run defense both before and after contact a season ago, making this a great matchup for a high-floor back and opening up the door for the rare ceiling week.
I mean, we saw it almost exactly 12 months ago. In Week 2, Williams ran 18 times for 97 yards, scored from 30 yards out, and, due to the game script, added a season-high 6 catches. I can’t responsibly project him for all of that, but it’s within the range of outcomes for a player that I think wasn’t given enough oxygen this preseason.
“Boring” doesn’t mean wrong. If Williams gives us a carbon copy of what he did last year, we are profiting, and there’s no reason to think he gets off to anything but a sparkling start against a divisional foe. I expect Showdown ownership to congregate around the Dallas pass game on Sunday night: Williams is a good way to pivot off of that, especially if you think the Cowboys dictate tempo from the start.
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Where Williams Ranks Among 2026 Running Backs
- De'Von Achane | MIA
- Kenneth Walker III | KC
- Omarion Hampton | LAC
- Jeremiyah Love | ARI
- Ashton Jeanty | LV
- Javonte Williams | DAL
- Travis Etienne Jr. | NO
- Breece Hall | NYJ
- D'Andre Swift | CHI
- Kyren Williams | LAR
- Cam Skattebo | NYG
Check the full position group on PFN's 2026 PPR Running Back Board.
