KyrenWilliams

News: 3 days agoWilliams rushed 23 times for 97 yards and secured five of seven targets for 19 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 30-20 win over the Vikings on Thursday night.

Spin: Williams once again shouldered the bulk of the Rams' ground work, with backup Blake Corum logging only four carries. While he fell just short of his second 100-yard effort of the campaign, Williams set a new season high in receptions and recorded his second receiving touchdown of 2024 on a five-yard catch in the first quarter that opened his team's scoring on the night. The fact Williams recorded a season-high 28 touches despite the returns of both Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) was certainly encouraging, and the third-year back should once again be a pivotal figure during the Rams' Week 9 road NFC West clash against the Seahawks on Sunday, Nov. 3.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: After injuries kept Williams off the field in 2022, he entered his sophomore effort barely drafted by fantasy managers (14th-round ADP in 12-team PPR leagues). That quickly changed as Williams emerged as the Rams' undisputed RB1, averaging nearly 22 touches per contest in his 12 games played. A creative runner with receiving chops and an uncanny nose for the end zone (15 total TDs, third among RBs), Williams turned on the jets down the stretch, posting nearly 24 fantasy points per game from Weeks 12 through 17. He did break his hand during the team's Wild Card game in Detroit, but should be healed up in time for training camp. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on rookie Blake Corum's potential ascent, but Williams remains the lead back and is a solid RB1 target.