Jamaal Williams (RB, GB) - Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

October 1, 2019

Green Bay Packers running back (RB) Jamaal Williams is a fantasy football waiver wire pickup to target as a free agent addition for Week 5 of the 2019 NFL season.

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OWNED IN: 15% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Bad for supporters of the #FreeAaronJones movement, but great for fantasy GMs, Green Bay's backfield looks like it'd showcase an even split between Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams weekly. Through three games that was the case, and although Williams had to leave last Thursday's matchup against the Eagles just after the first snap, coach Matt LaFleur has made it clear that both running backs will share carries.

The Packers don't have such a quality pair of running backs as Denver (Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay, also with an even usage split), which makes the decision of giving Williams that many touches a little harder to understand. Even with that, though, Green Bay has fared nicely so far. While Jones has been the better performer (4.9, 25.0, and 15.3 fantasy points in the first three games), Williams' opportunities have kept up with those of Jones and he has put up a respectable 3.5, 13.1, 10.6 in those same games. Keeping the Week 4 matchup aside--Williams had to leave almost at the game's start and Jones saw all 68 offensive snaps from that point--the two running backs would have 27.2 (Williams) and 38.0 (Jones) through Week 3.

Although both players had seen almost the same amount of snaps by Week 3's end (advantage Jones 103-to-96), the number of carries each had logged wasn't that close, nor were the targets. That is where Williams value starts to show, as he's been almost equally efficient as Jones in fewer opportunities. Again leaving out Week 4 to not skew the numbers and comparisons, Williams has 87 yards in 26 rushing attempts (3.34 Y/A) while Jones has 174 yards in 46 attempts (3.78 Y/A). Williams have out-performed Jones in the passing game, getting 55 yards in three games after catching eight-of-nine targets (Jones hauled in six of his eight targets for 38 yards in such time span).

Looking ahead, it is clear that Williams' head injury in Week 4 could keep him out for a while if he sustained a concussion. Nonetheless, the fact that the Packers played early in the week and Williams has already left the hospital have reports saying he could be in for Week 5's game. In any case, once Williams comes back, the timeshare will be in place again at Green Bay's backfield. With just a 15% ownership rate, Williams is one of the best stashing options at RB, and his injury could help in getting him easier than normal this week. Consider it a great addition and a player with a solid weekly floor and high-end RB2 upside if all things go right in good matchups.