Javonte Williams

Javonte Williams enters the 2025 fantasy football season as the Dallas Cowboys' clear RB1 and a solid late-round target. Despite sitting out the entire preseason, he is expected to open the season as the lead back due to his volume opportunity and the ankle injury sustained by rookie Jaydon Blue, his primary competition in the backfield. This volume outlook positions Williams well to produce fantasy points from the start, especially since he has averaged over 225 touches in the last two seasons and totaled 859 scrimmage yards with a career-high 70 targets last year.

While Williams is no longer the explosive runner many anticipated before his ACL and LCL injuries, he remains a capable pass catcher and blocker, adding value in PPR formats. However, his fantasy ceiling is limited by the need for significant workload in a crowded backfield. The Cowboys have a few other backs, including Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue (still dealing with injury), and rookie Phil Mafah, who could provide competition for touches, but Williams' experience and current reps with starters suggest he will carry the bulk of early down and passing work.

Fantasy experts rank Williams in the RB30 to RB35 range, reflecting a cautious but optimistic outlook given his role and injury history. His average draft position (ADP) sits around 96 (RB35), suggesting he's a decent value pick in the late rounds as a starting RB on a high-volume team. His 2024 peak game, where he scored 23.1 fantasy points on 14 carries and 3 receptions including two rushing touchdowns, showcases his upside when fully healthy and involved in the offense.

Overall, Javonte Williams is a reliable, if not flashy, fantasy commodity for 2025. He offers workhorse potential given the injuries around him and the Cowboys' commitment to him as the top back. Draft him as a mid-to-late round pick with upside as a volume-based RB1 target who can provide steady production in Dallas’ offense, especially in PPR leagues. Keep an eye on injury reports for his competitors and his own health, but the early projections paint him as a dependable piece in fantasy lineups this year.

Updated 08/23/2025