The Denver Broncos appear to be in a must-win situation this weekend against the New England Patriots in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. Should fantasy football managers expect Javonte Williams to have a bounce-back game? Or is this the time to give Samaje Perine a shot to start in your lineup?
Should You Start Javonte Williams in Fantasy This Week?
Williams had been a fairly consistent performer in the backfield since returning to the lineup in Week 6. Since his return, he had between 50 and 85 rushing yards in seven of his first eight games. He even scored his first rushing touchdown of the season in Week 14 against the Chargers.
Then, last week, facing the Lions, Williams finished with just 27 yards on 12 carries. It was his lowest rushing total of the season not counting Week 3 vs. the Bears, when an injury forced him out of the game after just two carries and zero rushing yards.
While it’s been a consistent season for Williams, it’s probably been a frustrating one for fantasy managers who were probably expecting more than three scrimmage touchdowns and an average of 3.7 yards per carry.
Now, with the season potentially on the line, Williams and the Broncos must face a Patriots defense that is No. 1 in opponent yards per carry (3.1) and opponent rush expected points added (-0.20), and No. 2 against the run (84.9 rush yards per game allowed).
Should You Start Samaje Perine in Fantasy This Week?
Perine was on the field for 39% of the Broncos’ offensive snaps last week, his highest percentage since Week 5 vs. the Jets (60%).
The fact that last week’s game was out of hand fairly early (Lions led 21-0 at halftime) probably contributed to the increased time on the field for Perine. But at least he was productive with his few opportunities, coming up with 48 scrimmage yards on just seven touches.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Perine, who has nearly as many receptions (41) as rush attempts (45) this season, has been a consistent receiver out of the backfield for the Broncos. But when your season high for rush yards is 55 — his only game with 50+ yards — it’s difficult to throw your support toward putting him in the starting lineup.
Yes, his receiving numbers (389 yards) are more than his rushing yards (219), but his scrimmage yards for the season (608) still come out to only 43.4 per game.
Using the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say that Williams is the player to start. His projected 11.4 points include 42 rushing yards and five receptions for 24 receiving yards. His projected stat line outperforms Perine’s 5.4 points.
Perine is projected to finish with 13 rushing yards and two receptions for 12 receiving yards. My ranking for these running backs aligns with the consensus.
Between these two, put Williams in your starting lineup.
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