Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams will likely play against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday. Panthers coach Ron Rivera said that Williams will start the game, which is significant given that Jonathan Stewart played well in his return.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 8: DeAngelo Williams
DeAngelo Williams is making his return to the Panthers on Thursday. We break down the fantasy implications.
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Williams has been dealing with an ankle injury since Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens. He missed two games prior to that, and has missed all four games since, during which the Panthers have went 1-2-1, including a lopsided loss against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7 and a close loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8. The Panthers are ranked No. 27 in the league in rushing, so they definitely need Williams' help.
Fantasy Impact: But the question of whether or not Williams should be started in fantasy football is a difficult one to answer. He has the potential to put up big numbers, but he won’t have a full workload for two reasons. The first is that he’s not 100 percent healthy and the second is that Stewart has been playing well behind him.
Stewart and Williams have shared the ball for much of the last few years, always at a detriment to fantasy owners. Williams should sit until he establishes himself as the primary ball-carrier.
