2025 NFL Season Kickoff: Eagles vs. Cowboys
The much-anticipated start of the 2025 NFL season has finally arrived, kicking off with the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Dallas Cowboys this Thursday at 8:20 PM on NBC.
The focus of attention is clearly on the Cowboys. With the new season beginning, there’s definitely some curiosity about how they’ll stack up against the reigning Super Bowl champions. This year’s offense features several new players, including running back Javonte Williams, who comes in with a 37 ADP (average draft position) in both standard and PPR leagues. It’s expected that he’ll share carries this season with Miles Sanders and rookie Jadon Blue.
So, what does Williams’ outlook look like for fantasy football in the first week? Let’s break it down.
Fantasy Football Analysis: Cowboys RB Javonte Williams
Williams signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys after leaving the Denver Broncos during free agency this offseason. He was a second-round pick in 2021, and last season in Denver, he was part of a middle-tier rushing offense, totaling 139 carries for 537 rushing yards (3.7 YPC) and four rushing touchdowns. Notably, ESPN’s Jeff Longwald highlighted that Williams achieved a maximum speed of 15.34 mph when crossing the line of scrimmage last year.
While he might not have been explosive on the ground, he did contribute in the passing game with 52 receptions, which landed him at the 30th spot among running backs in PPR leagues, averaging 9.3 fantasy points per game.
Should You Start or Sit Him in Standard Leagues?
Sit. Williams is slated as a starter in this matchup, but, as mentioned, he’ll likely share touches with Sanders and Blue. He hasn’t quite regained his previous explosiveness after suffering a torn ACL, MCL, and PCL back in 2022, with his carry average dipping below 4.0 yards over the past two seasons. Let’s not forget he’s facing a tough Philadelphia defense that had the fourth-best defensive rushing EPA in the league last year.
Should You Start or Sit Him in PPR Leagues?
Sit. While fantasy managers could squeeze some value out of Williams in PPR leagues last season, he didn’t exactly light things up. He only broke the 15-point mark three times in 2024, and his value is further diminished by the presence of Sanders and Blue in the backfield. It’s a hard pass for now.
