New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams could be in line for improved production in Week 4. Over the first three weeks of the season, he has not had much to offer from a fantasy standpoint with the Saints dedicated to force-feeding Alvin Kamara (hip/ribs). Kamara popped up on the injury report this week, though, and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. If Kamara ends up getting a week off then Williams will soak up much of that work but would face some competition from a now-healthy Taysom Hill (chest). Williams played in three of the four games Kamara missed in 2023 and logged 41 rushing attempts for 100 yards, and a touchdown on the ground, and nine catches for 28 receiving yards. Modest totals for sure, but this year's version of the Saints offense has been far more dynamic with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in charge. Fantasy managers desperate for running back help should monitor pre-game injury reports and only plug Williams into lineups if Kamara is ruled out.
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams was tasked with mop-up duty in the team's blowout victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. In his limited action, he picked up 39 yards on eight carries. Stuck behind Alvin Kamara on the depth chart, Williams has yet to truly cash in the way his teammates have with Klint Kubiak now running the Saints' offense. In Week 3, New Orleans hosts the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed the fourth-most rushing yards to opposing running backs in 2024. It is worth noting that the Eagles have allowed 50 rushing yards per game to their previous opponents' second-string backs through the first two weeks of the season. Williams may not have much flex appeal but could make for a decent dart throw in DFS that could pay off if he finds the end zone as he did in Week 1.
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams rushed eight times for 39 yards in the win over Dallas. The veteran saw most of his work on the final two drives as the Saints ran the clock to finalize the blowout victory. Williams should be rostered by Alvin Kamara owners as a handcuff, but he holds no standalone value given his lack of usage prior to the game being out of control. The veteran is now over two seasons removed from his NFL-leading rushing touchdown season. He should not be considered for lineups next week against Philadelphia.
Jamaal Williams Not A Recommended Option In Week 2
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams is projected to be an RB3 at best in Week 2 when the Saints square off against the Dallas Cowboys on the road. Williams rushed 11 times for 38 yards and one touchdown in the team's 47-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers, with an additional 13 yards through the air on one catch and one target. New Orleans will get a far more challenging matchup this week against Dallas, but he can be safely left on benches as he backs up Alvin Kamara in the contest. The 29-year-old got extended run in the rout this past weekend, but with a formidable Dallas defense on deck, he can be relegated to the bottom of lineups. Despite his fantasy output in Week 1, confidence in Williams will go no further than a touchdown-dependent alternative unless Kamara is forced to miss time. In addition to the Saints' incumbent starter, Williams will also compete with tight end Taysom Hill for carries. Hill took five rushes for 35 yards in New Orleans' Week 1 win.
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams closed out the 47-10 win over Carolina. The veteran carried the ball 11 times for 38 yards and a score, while also catching his lone target for 13 yards. Williams had a down year in 2023 after his NFL-leading 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022. He only saw as much work as he did due to the game being a blowout, but Williams appears to be the direct handcuff to Alvin Kamara with Kendre Miller (hamstring) on injured reserve. He should be rostered by the Kamara manager in all 10+ team leagues.
New Orleans Saints' veteran running back Jamaal Williams drew the start in Week 2's preseason loss against the San Francisco 49ers with Alvin Kamara (back) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) sitting out. Williams rushed five times for 32 yards, breaking off a long run of 15 yards. He also caught his lone target for a two-yard gain. After a disappointing season in 2023, Williams will look to bounce back in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's new system. He remains a late-round flier and will likely go undrafted in most fantasy formats.
New Orleans Saints veteran running back Jamaal Williams played early on, toting the ball six times for 20 yards on the ground. Following a disappointing 2023 campaign after leading the league in touchdowns in 2022, Williams is looking to mix into the backfield more in 2024. The 29-year-old is currently running behind Alvin Kamara with Kendre Miller (hamstring) on the shelf. He will likely see more preseason action in weeks to come.
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams saw a team-high 14 carries with Alvin Kamara (ankle) on the shelf, but was largely ineffective as he gained just 26 yards on the ground. The veteran also caught three passes for eight yards. Rather than kneeling and running the clock out after an interception that was returned to the one-yard line with a minute left on the clock, the Saints opted to run Williams into the endzone for his first touchdown of the season. Head coach Dennis Allen apologized to Arthur Smith following the touchdown, which Smith was visibly upset with. Williams and the Saints will now await the result of both the Green Bay and Seattle games to see if their season is extended into Wild Card weekend.
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams is likely to be the lead runner on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons with Alvin Kamara (ankle) listed as a game-time decision. While Kamara is going to take his status up to kickoff, he has not practiced all week long. Be sure to be ready to insert Williams into lineups with Kamara's status being taken up to Sunday morning. While the Falcons are one of the more stout defenses against opposing running backs (eighth-least points per game), Williams should see significant enough volume to be in play as an RB3 option. He would likely split running duties with Taysom Hill in the event that Kamara can't go.
New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams had his most productive day of the 2023 season, filling in for an injured Alvin Kamara (ankle) in the second half of the Week 17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Williams carried the ball 19 times for 58 yards and caught four passes for 13 yards. The veteran has been seldom used while primarily operating behind Kamara this season and only has 280 rushing yards after a breakout 1,066-yard season with Detroit last year. If Kamara can't go in Week 18, Williams should see another heavy-usage day and can be started in lineups against Atlanta.
