Considering that LeSean McCoy has been one of the best running backs in fantasy football since entering the league in 2009, you'd be forgiven if you thought the Buffalo Bills' selection of Karlos Williams in the fifth-round of this year's draft was a non-story. McCoy had previously finished in the top ten in fantasy scoring at the position three times and was headed to another run-first team following his trade from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. It was difficult not to expect a repeat performance.
Yet Williams has played so well that head coach Rex Ryan has been forced to give him more carries, frustrating fantasy football owners in the process. Though McCoy remains the starter, some nervous fantasy owners have worried that Williams could usurp the gig if he keeps up this frenetic pace. Fortunately, ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Mike Clay doesn't believe that will be the case.
"Karlos Williams is arguably the most valuable handcuff in fantasy, but if you leave him in your lineup on the premise that he can sustain anything close to his current touchdown pace, you're going to be left both disappointed and without a fantasy championship trophy," Clay wrote. "Williams has racked up seven touchdowns on 64 touches in six games this season. In games LeSean McCoy was active, Williams is averaging 17.6 snaps, 8.0 carries and 0.8 targets per game. Of Williams' five rushing touchdowns, one came on his sole carry within 8 yards of the goal line. His other touchdown runs came on treks of 11, 26, 38, and 41 yards. His receiving scores came after post-catch runs of 2 and 11 yards. Based on usage, Williams should be closer to two touchdowns this season. He's playing second fiddle to McCoy and there's no reason to believe that will change this season. If you can sell fantasy's No. 22 scoring running back for a more reliable starter, now is the time to do so."
Overall, McCoy has carried the ball 113 times for 528 yards (4.7 YPC) and two scores while catching 18 passes for 177 yards and one additional touchdown in seven games. Williams has received 58 carries for 360 yards (6.2 YPC) and five rushing TDs while catching six passes for 72 yards and two scores in six games.
I know, that's a lot of numbers. But they paint the picture of two effective ball carriers, though McCoy's workload far outweighs Williams' in terms of fantasy value. Clay is right, if you can trade Williams for a more consistent starter then you should do so. You can't just count on McCoy getting hurt again.
