Week 8 Fantasy Football Mailbag: Rest of Season Running Back Decisions

Welcome back to your direct line of fantasy football advice, our mailbag article series powered by the Fantasy Football Advice Network.

This is your path to expert fantasy football advice, where we tackle your questions and provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. As the season progresses, we understand the importance of making the right choices to secure those crucial wins. Our team at In-Between Media (IBT) is here to answer your queries and keep your fantasy rosters strong.

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Fantasy Football Advice: Week 8 Mailbag

Rest of season rankings: Brian Robinson or Javonte Williams? – @Captainborchia

When making critical decisions for your fantasy football team, few are as crucial as choosing the right running back for the rest of the season. In this case, we must determine whether Brian Robinson or Javonte Williams has a better long-term ranking and outlook. Let’s dive into their situations and prospects.

Brian Robinson (RB, Washington Commanders)

Brian Robinson has quietly established himself as a top-24 running back in various statistical categories, making him a strong candidate for the rest of the season. He ranks 19th in rush attempts, with 85 carries to his name, and is 24th in rushing yards, totaling 325. Notably, Robinson has also found the end zone four times on the ground.

What makes Robinson an intriguing option is his unexpected involvement in the receiving game. He has received 14 targets, resulting in 11 receptions for 113 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Moreover, there’s speculation that Antonio Gibson could be traded at the upcoming NFL Trade Deadline. If that happens, it could open up even more opportunities for Brian Robinson specifically in the passing game. If this happens, it’ll add to an extra dimension of his fantasy value that many already didn’t anticipate.

Javonte Williams (RB, Denver Broncos)

The Denver Broncos backfield has become a bit of a puzzle, with Javonte Williams at the center of it. In Week 8, the snap distribution was as follows:

• Javonte Williams: 53%
• Samaje Perine: 25%
• Jaleel McLaughlin: 7%
• Michael Burton (FB): 20%

Williams had his best game of the season against the Green Bay Packers, accumulating 83 rushing yards on 15 carries and adding three receptions for 14 yards on four targets in the receiving game. It’s important to note that this performance came against a Packers defense that ranks as a top-three matchup for running backs.

However, the situation is complicated by the presence of McLaughlin, who has been notably more efficient with an impressive 6.9 Yards Per Carry (YPC) compared to Williams’ 4.3. Despite carrying the ball 5.6 times less per game than Williams, McLaughlin has been averaging just 11.7 fewer yards per game. Importantly, McLaughlin has found the end zone three times, whereas Javonte Williams has yet to record a rushing touchdown.

Bottom Line

The 3-4 Washington Commanders playing in the weaker NFC are expected to be more competitive than the 2-5 Denver Broncos in the loaded AFC as the season progresses. When deciding between Brian Robinson and Javonte Williams, you’ll need to consider their current performance, the role of other backs in their respective teams and the potential for future success. While it’s a close call, the emerging opportunities for Robinson and the uncertainty surrounding the Broncos’ backfield might give the Alabama product a slight edge for the rest of the season.

Ultimately, your decision should align with your team’s specific needs, risk tolerance and how much weight you place on each player’s situation and potential opportunity.

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*Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing – USA TODAY Sports*