Week 8 at L.A. Rams
Jamaal Williams continues to lead the Packers in snaps played in the backfield. The problem is that he's being used more as a blocker on passing plays than anything else. That's not going to be enough for you to be useful. Williams is probably the least-useful player in this three-headed backfield.
Week 6 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Jamaal Williams posted six carries for 33 yards and two catches for 19 yards last week. But at some point, even Mike McCarthy is going to have to concede Aaron Jones is the more dynamic runner. Williams is nothing more than a low-end flex option in an ugly three-headed backfield situation.
Week 5 at Detroit Lions
Jamaal Williams matched Aaron Jones with 11 carries last week, but while Jones produced 65 yards and a touchdown, Williams gained 27 yards. Moving forward, you can expect Jones to grab more and more of the backfield share in Green Bay. Williams' day as a viable fantasy option now are tied to the Jones getting hurt -- or at least that should be the case. He shouldn't be in your lineup.
Week 4 vs. Buffalo Bills
Jamaal Williams touched the ball just seven times last week—five carries for 29 yards and two catches for another 16 yards, as the Packers fell behind early. But he did get 30 snaps compared to 20 for Ty Montgomery and 17 for newly re-instated Aaron Jones. Working in his favor is that Williams is the best pass blocker of the group. But this is now a true time-share, making all three backs nothing more than flex plays until someone emerges as a bell cow.
Week 3 at Washington Redskins
Jamaal Williams just isn't a lead back in the NFL. He's more of a complementary guy as his 16 carries for 59 yards and three catches for 12 last week would suggest. With Aaron Jones now back—and third on the depth chart—look for him to cut into Williams' carries soon. If that doesn't happen this week, it will next as the Packers need to provide a hobbled Aaron Rodgers with a running game. Don't use Williams as anything more than a flex.
Week 2 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Jamaal Williams managed just 47 yards on 15 carries last week—3.1 yards per attempt—and the Packers weren't able to establish much of a running game because they fell behind. That meant Williams lost carries to Ty Montgomery. Williams is what he is—a runner who is valuable based on a modicum of volume. If Aaron Rodgers doesn't play, Williams' value takes a hit because the Vikings could run away with this one. Use Williams as a low-end No. 2 back and keep your fingers crossed.
Week 1 vs. Chicago Bears
Jamaal Williams should get the start with Aaron Jones suspended. Chicago's run defense should be pretty solid and Williams isn't particularly dynamic as a runner. His value is based on volume. And given he'll be splitting time with Ty Montgomery -- who will be a third-down asset -- that might not add up to a strong day for Williams. He's a low-end No. 2 start this week or a flex with some upside.
Fantasy Upside
With Aaron Jones suspended for the first two games of the season, Jamaal Williams will get a very good shot at winning the job for himself. If he can take advantage, he could prove valuable despite the crowded backfield. Williams showed some flashes of ability at times last season as a rookie. At the very least, he should get a similar amount of touches as he did a year ago.
Fantasy Downside
As mentioned, he's in a crowded backfield, which doesn't bode well. He also averaged just 3.6 yards per carry on his 153 rushing attempts last season, with a long of 25 yards. Williams is far from a game-breaker.
2018 Bottom Line
Williams will get a shot to win the job, though Mike McCarthy isn't committing to anything with his backfield. But with Jones out the first two games and Ty Montgomery more of a gadget player, Williams could be the bell cow—unless he blows his chance. Considering he faces two tough defenses in Minnesota and Chicago, that's not a stretch. He's worth a shot as a No. 3 or No. 4 running back with some upside potential in this offense if he can make the most of it. His current ADP is in rounds 8–10, which might be a little higher than you'd like for a player without job security. But if you can grab him a little later, it could be a good reward.
Week 17 at Detroit Lions
Jamaal Williams had 15 carries for 58 yards last week but failed to catch a pass for a second consecutive week. He heads into Week 17 having gotten 15 or more carries in six of the past seven games. Given his rookie status, he should get a similar amount of touches this week. That's never easy to come by in Week 17. That makes him a borderline RB1 this week.
Week 16 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Jamaal Williams had 10 carries for 30 yards last week and failed to catch a pass as the Packers fell behind early and were forced to throw the rest of the game. Even if he gets 15–20 carries this week, Minnesota's defense against running backs has been among the league's best all season. Williams is a FLEX play this week based on his workload.
