While Williams ($5,400 for Showdown) is set to open the season as the Cowboys’ top back, there are many concerns surrounding the veteran for fantasy purposes, especially in Week 1. First off, Williams was an ineffective rusher with the Broncos last season. The 25-year-old only averaged 3.7 YPC, and he only eclipsed 50 rushing yards in three of his 17 games. Williams was more effective as a receiver, catching 74.3% of his targets and averaging 6.7 YPR. Overall, he only averaged 50.5 scrimmage yards per game, and he only produced 0.28 FPTS per snap, which ranked 45th of the 60 running backs that logged at least 25% of their team’s snaps last season.
Next is the concerns about Dallas having a crowded backfield. Jaydon Blue (ankle) and Miles Sanders (shoulder) both dealt with injuries this summer, but both players returned to practice this week ahead of Thursday night’s season opener vs. the Eagles. While Williams may lead this backfield in touches in that contest, both Blue and Sanders absolutely will be involved and Williams only seeing around 10 touches is certainly possible, especially if either Blue or Sanders are more successful.
Last, but not least is Williams’ matchup against the defending champion Eagles. Philadelphia’s defense was the best in the NFL under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio last season, and the Eagles’ defense should continue to be one of the best units in the league this season with Fangio still calling the plays. Last season, Philadelphia gave up the fewest yards per play (8.1) and fewest PPG in the NFL (18.1). The Eagles were by far the highest graded defense in the league on PFF and to running backs, Philadelphia gave up the fewest touchdowns (five) and the second-fewest FPTS per game (16.8).
Especially with this game on the road in Philadelphia, Williams should have an extremely difficult time and fading him for all formats is a smart move. In fact, backing Williams for under 55.5 rushing + receiving yards (-115) on DraftKings Sportsbook is a strong wager to consider in this terrible matchup.
