With the 2025 fantasy football season just around the corner, fantasy managers are already preparing for preseason drafts. Dynasty players, in particular, are fine-tuning their rosters, either pushing for a championship or starting a rebuild.
As summer rolls on, we’ll spotlight players frequently involved in trades, using tools like the PFSN Trade Analyzer to help you make smart moves. Today, we turn our attention to Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams, whose fantasy value has sparked plenty of debate.
Is Kyren Williams Actually Good?
From a fantasy perspective, the answer is mostly yes for the past two seasons. In 2023, Williams finished as the RB2 in PPR points per game with an impressive 21.2 points on average. He took a small step back in 2024 but still ranked as the RB8 in half-PPR and RB10 in PPR formats, averaging 17.0 points per game according to the most recent data.
Williams has established himself as a workhorse for the Rams, especially over the last two years. Since 2023, he has averaged 272 carries and 1,221.5 yards per season, with 26 total rushing touchdowns.
In the passing game, Williams has averaged 44 targets, 33 receptions, and 194 receiving yards since 2023, with five receiving touchdowns over the two-year period.
Williams has been especially valuable as the Rams’ go-to goal-line back. In 2024, he had 70 red-zone carries, 14 rushing touchdowns, and seven red-zone receptions for two more scores. His consistent red-zone usage makes him one of the most reliable fantasy running backs for touchdowns.
Despite these impressive numbers, Williams’ advanced metrics suggest his success is largely volume-driven. In 2024, he led all running backs with an 87% snap share and finished among the top three in carries (316) and rushing touchdowns (14).
Even so, he only managed an RB10 finish, in part because he struggled to generate big plays. His yards per rush dropped from 5.0 in 2023 to 4.1 in 2024, and his yards per reception also fell, from 6.4 to 5.4.
Williams’ efficiency has declined in recent seasons, and his ball security has become a concern. He had five fumbles in 2024 and eight over the past two years.
Williams finished 32nd in expected points added (EPA) among running backs in 2024 (-18.63). He was 39th in explosive run rate (8.5%) and 35th in juke rate (1.3%). He also saw his yards per rush decrease from 5.0 in 2023 to 4.1 in 2024. Similarly, his yards per reception dropped from 6.4 to 5.4.
Why Is Williams Involved in So Many Fantasy Trades?
Williams has been included in over 1,400 trades by PFSN Trade Analyzer users early this season, making him the fourth-most-traded player in successful deals. That is a notable number for a running back entering his prime and coming off back-to-back top-10 scoring finishes.
However, there are warning signs that fantasy managers may be right to consider moving him.
Over the past three seasons, Williams has proven he can deliver when given heavy volume, but his production is closely tied to his role. If his snap share or touch volume decreases, his fantasy output could drop sharply.
MORE: PFSN Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator!
His efficiency has dipped in consecutive seasons, even as he has dominated touches in the Rams’ backfield. The fumble issues only add to the concern. A running back who does not offer big plays and has shaky ball security is at risk of losing opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Rams have continued to invest in their backfield. In the last two drafts, they spent more draft capital on running backs, selecting Blake Corum in 2024 and Jarquez Hunter in 2025, than they did to acquire Williams in the first place (a fifth-round pick in 2022).
Many expected Williams to lose work to Corum last season, but that did not happen. Both players have similar skill sets, and Williams stayed healthy. However, Hunter, the team’s fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft, could be a different story.
Unlike Williams and Corum, Hunter is an explosive runner (4.44 40-yard dash) who averaged 6.4 yards per touch in college. During his time at Auburn, he was also a capable receiver, with 68 receptions for 558 yards and four touchdowns. The Rams may value his ability to create big plays, which could cut into Williams’ workload.
WATCH: @AuburnFootball RB Jarquez Hunter (@jarquezhunter) reached 20.1 mph on this 53-yard touchdown. #ReelAnalytics #WarEagle
🎥: @ESPNCFB
đź”— https://t.co/IKk5DVUWoB pic.twitter.com/t7Qu1d8uvK
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) October 24, 2023
Dynasty managers are starting to see the writing on the wall with Williams and believe it’s better to sell a year too early than a year too late.
Williams’ Long-Term Outlook
Williams is clearly a talented running back, but his fantasy value is closely tied to his workload. If he continues to get 250+ touches per season and remains the primary goal-line option, he will be a strong fantasy producer.
In 2024, he was the only running back in the NFL with a snap share above 75%, and he led the league in several usage categories. Additionally, he led all running backs in attempt share (70.2%) and touch share (44.1%), with the second-highest opportunity share (33.6%).
The Rams have shown they are willing to invest in the backfield, and Williams is still waiting on a contract extension. If he becomes a free agent, he would likely end up in a committee, which would hurt his fantasy value. Given his declining efficiency and ball security issues, his long-term outlook is uncertain. For now, he remains a valuable asset, but Williams’ situation is worth monitoring closely as the season approaches.