The Dallas Cowboys will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding RB Javonte Williams.
Is Javonte Williams Playing in Week 1?
Williams is not listed on the injury report this week, so barring any setbacks, he will play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Cowboys’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Javonte Williams in Week 1?
Javonte Williams sits atop the Dallas depth chart right now and, in theory, that should be exciting. In the past, that role alone carried “fantasy starter” designation with it, but we aren’t there right now, and that might not change any time soon.
The numbers tell a troubling story about Williams’ recent performance:
2024: Worst Qualified RBs in Production vs Expectation
- Alexander Mattison: -13.5% (was pegged as a 2025 backup pre-injury)
- Williams: -17.5%
- Kareem Hunt: -18.6% (a backup to start last season and this one)
- Travis Etienne: -20.9% (lost his job and might not regain it)
- Nick Chubb: -21.6% (didn’t find a home until June 9 as a backup for Houston)
The matchup makes things even tougher. Philadelphia was the best yards per play defense last season and has held opponents under 4.0 yards per carry in consecutive seasons. The Eagles’ defensive front remains one of the most formidable units Williams will face all season.
The path to Williams hitting your lineup this week would be a touchdown, but the odds work against him there, too. He’s found paydirt just 11 times on 606 career carries, and Dallas’ implied team total is hovering around 20 points. That’s an awfully thin bet to make for fantasy relevance.
Williams did set new career highs in catches (52), targets (70), and receiving yards (346) in Denver last season. He’s, in theory, in his physical prime, and there are some tools there. However, in a committee situation without Sean Payton, I’m uncomfortable recommending Williams in a game where Dallas’ total play count could be limited.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 1 Fantasy Start-Sit Advice Cheat Sheet for every fantasy-relevant player in every game.
Javonte Williams’ Fantasy Points Projection in Week 1
Williams is projected to score 10.8 points in PPR formats. This includes 44.9 rushing yards and 0.1 touchdowns. It also includes 3.1 receptions for 17.7 receiving yards and 0.1 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 1 Weather Impact: Cowboys at Eagles
The weather forecast for the Cowboys vs. Eagles matchup calls for cloudy conditions and a kickoff temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are forecasted to blow south at 10 MPH with a 0% chance of rain. These are good conditions for fantasy football and will have minimal impact on the game.
