Even though the Los Angeles Rams missed RB Kyren Williams while he was on injured reserve (IR) for four weeks, they made do primarily with Darrell Henderson Jr. and a little bit of Royce Freeman sprinkled in.
Williams has been practicing all week for the Rams and is looking to play this week against Arizona. When the Rams released Henderson earlier this week, fantasy managers were even more convinced that Williams is good to go. But will he be eased back in? Which Rams RB should you be going with in Week 12?
Should You Start Royce Freeman or Kyren Williams for Fantasy Football in Week 12?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say managers should start Williams. Williams is projected to score 12.8 fantasy points with 48.4 rushing yards, 4.3 receptions, and 36.4 yards receiving. On the other side, Freeman is projected 6.8 fantasy points with 31.8 yards rushing, 2.4 receptions, and 12.9 yards receiving.
Fantasy Outlook for Freeman This Week
With Williams out, the Rams were utilizing both Freeman and Henderson, but Henderson ended up being the most valuable asset fantasy-wise. Freeman’s best fantasy finish was in Week 8 against Dallas, when he finished as RB20. He was practically invisible from Week 2 to Week 4 when he and Williams were both on the field.
I just do not expect to see much from Freeman this week. If Williams truly is completely healthy and ready to go, even if they temper his carries, I do not expect Freeman to get enough volume to make him a startable RB. And, if we see the Rams elevate Henderson from the practice squad, that would drip Freeman down in the pecking order.
Freeman is RB43 in PFN’s Consensus Rankings this week.
Fantasy Outlook for Williams This Week
The matchup for Williams is great this week — the Cardinals allow the third-most fantasy points to opposing RB, and even if head coach Sean McVay does ease him in, I believe he will do enough with the opportunities to be started.
He had the lowest amount of carries this season in Week 3 against Cincinnati and Week 5 against Philadelphia, and both of those teams were much better at defending the run than Arizona. His lowest fantasy finish of those two games was RB30.
Throw in the possibility of Cooper Kupp not being 100%, and I see Williams having a big workload. He is the RB16 in PFN’s Consensus Rankings. The Rams must activate Williams by Saturday afternoon to be able to play on Sunday, so monitor the news.
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