Fantasy Football Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Debate: Keiland Williams

Fantasy owners want to believe that Keiland Williams is a must-use option now that Clinton Portis has been placed on injured reserve and Ryan Torain is still hurting. 

As I’ve said before, Williams certainly has an opportunity to emerge as the lead back in Washington.  The problem is, he hasn’t reached up and grabbed it yet.

That’s not to say that he hasn’t looked good:

• Week 10 vs. Philadelphia – 89 yards, 2 TD (4 receptions for 50 yards, 1 TD)
• Week 11 at Tennessee – 68 yards, 0 TD (6 receptions for 27 yards)

You can look at the Week 10 production and get excited, but let’s keep it in perspective.  That was the game where Michael Vick erupted, creating garbage time as early as the second quarter.  While it’s nice to see the production, it is impossible to put much stock in it.

Last week he was far less productive, averaging just three yards per carry and failing to find the end zone.  Granted, he showed some production in the passing game, increasing his worth in PPR leagues, but in general, the performance certainly added a touch of uncertainty in other owners.

Torain has been struggling with a hamstring injury, and there is not yet word if he is going to play in Week 12.  Obviously, his presence would further hurt Williams’ potential value, so keep that in mind.

As for Williams himself, even if he is the lead back, you have to be skeptical given his matchup with the Vikings. 

Granted, Minnesota has not been the elite, intimidating run defense that everyone had expected, but they are still seventh in the league, allowing just 99.1 rushing yards per game.

They stymied the duo of Brandon Jackson and Dimitri Nance in Week 11, holding them to 65 yards on 26 carries.  In Week 10, Matt Forte had 69 yards on 21 carries.  The week before, Tim Hightower mustered just 39 yards on 13 carries.

Are any of those backs the elite of the league?  Not even close, though neither is Williams.

His ability in the passing game makes him worth considering in PPR leagues, otherwise this is a matchup you will likely want to avoid assuming you have another alternative.  There is just too much downside to take the risk.

What are your thoughts on Williams?  Would you start him or sit him?

Make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s Week 12 Rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends 
• Top 15 Kickers
• Top 15 Defenses
• Waiver Worthy
• Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
• Sunday Sleepers (coming soon)

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