Player insights

Williams has just 71 yards on 24 carries (2.96 yards per attempt) through the first two games of 2025, a sharp decline from his 1,201 rushing yards (ninth overall) in 2024 when he spearheaded the Cowboys' second-ranked offense. The source notes this production 'simply won't cut it' and emphasizes the Cowboys' need to fix their ground game, which is averaging just 67.5 yards per game.

Williams ranks twenty-first in flex rankings for Week 3 with a best rank of 17 and average rank of 22, indicating expert support for his mid-tier weekly projection with notable variance.

Williams receives an A- start/sit grade for Week 3 against BAL, indicating strong fantasy performance expectation.

Williams is the lead back for the Cowboys; the source notes that the Ravens come into this matchup with a huge advantage on paper when it comes to Derrick Henry's production compared to Williams as the lead back for the Cowboys, suggesting a significant talent gap in the running back matchup.

One panelist predicts Javonte Williams will score first for Dallas against Baltimore. However, in the rushing yards prop segment, the consensus is Williams goes under 59.5 yards, with multiple panelists citing that the Ravens own the 6th-best run defense in the NFL and the Cowboys are struggling to get the ground game going.

In rapid-fire predictions, Tom picks Javonte Williams to score first for Dallas. However, in the rushing-yards over/under segment (59.5 yards), all four analysts vote under, citing the Ravens' 6th-best run defense in the NFL and the Cowboys' struggles to get the ground game going. This suggests limited rushing volume and efficiency for Williams against Baltimore.

The source advises the Cowboys should use the Ravens secondary's willingness to give up underneath routes as an extension of their running game instead of trying to establish Javonte Williams on the ground, suggesting the Ravens' run defense is strong enough to make ground-focused attempts inefficient.

The source advises against trying to establish Javonte Williams on the ground against the Ravens, recommending instead that Dallas use underneath passing routes as an extension of their running game rather than 'banging their head against a wall trying to establish Javonte Williams on the ground.' This suggests limited rushing opportunity for Williams in this matchup.

Mattek ranks Javonte Williams as the RB9, citing his high expected points per game and the fact that he never comes off the field, despite personal skepticism regarding his talent.

Javonte Williams went cold last week versus the Commanders and may continue this week versus Baltimore's stout defensive front. The Cowboys offensive line has struggled without Tyler Smith, with Williams averaging 3.4 and 2.5 rushing yards per attempt so far. Baltimore has the makings to make this a track meet early against a dreadful Cowboys defense, leaving Dallas no option but to toss the ball around the park. While Williams will always have elite touchdown upside given his offense, he may need a touchdown this week to provide any sort of solid return.

Javonte Williams went cold last week versus the Commanders and it may continue this week versus a stout Baltimore defensive front. The Cowboys offensive line has struggled without Tyler Smith, and it has shown with Williams averaging 3.4 and 2.5 rushing yards per attempt so far. It will get better for Williams, but it may not be this week; Baltimore has the makings to make this a track meet early against a dreadful Cowboys defense, leaving Dallas no option but to toss the ball around the park. While Javonte will always have elite touchdown upside given his offense, he may need a touchdown this week to provide any sort of solid return.

Ranked 19th overall in Week 3 Flex rankings by projected fantasy points in half-point PPR scoring; listed as a Tier 1 lineup lock must-start.

Ranked 14th among Week 3 running backs by the source, indicating solid projection and matchup appeal.

Ron Stewart is willing to add assets to acquire Javonte Williams in a trade, noting he is in the RB10-15 tier.

Javonte Williams is ranked RB1 for Week 3 and is listed as a must-start with no-brainer status against Baltimore.

Williams was positioned as a comeback story after being scooped up last offseason, appearing to recapture his rookie form. However, his efficiency has deteriorated significantly. Despite holding 'workhorse' status and scoring a couple of touchdowns, he ranks outside the top 15 backs in total touches and sits outside the top 50 in yards per touch. His usage has remained stagnant across both versions of the Dallas offense in Weeks 1 and 2, suggesting the problem is not scheme-dependent. While Tyler Smith's return to the offensive line could help, his poor efficiency against Baltimore in Week 3 will be telling.

Javonte Williams is a top-12 running back due to his near-total snap share in the backfield, including an 80% snap share last week and 16-17 opportunities in recent games.

Williams faced significant run-game struggles in Week 2 against Washington; the Cowboys' offensive line missed blocks and couldn't generate push to open running lanes, forcing the offense to abandon the run and pass on 61% of first-down plays instead.

Williams struggled to find running room in Week 2 against Washington; the Commanders' aggressive play near the line of scrimmage thwarted all run efforts, and the Cowboys offense missed blocks and couldn't generate push to open running lanes for him. This forced the offense to abandon the run game and pivot to passing on first down.

Javonte Williams is ranked as RB16, lower than the consensus RB12, due to concerns over his performance, offensive line injuries, and a lack of rushing production despite holding a 66% red zone carry share.

Williams is the RB11 on RB5 expected half PPR points per game since 2025, operating in the same exact role with nobody behind him on the depth chart (RB14 on RB10 usage this year). However, he faces a difficult matchup against the Ravens, who have allowed just 66 rushing yards per game to RBs since Week 10 of last year (second fewest). The Cowboys project for 24.5 points (sixth), and Williams' value is primarily in check-downs and goal-line carries, making him a TD-or-bust fringe RB1/2.