Introduction
When it comes to fantasy football, starting the right players can make or break your week. This is especially true when it comes to running backs, as they often carry the bulk of a team’s offensive workload. One running back that has been on the minds of many fantasy owners this season is Kyren Williams of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Williams to help you decide whether or not he’s worth starting in your lineup.
Who is Kyren Williams?
Kyren Williams is a sophomore running back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He burst onto the scene in 2020 as a true freshman, rushing for 1,125 yards and 13 touchdowns. Williams also added 35 receptions for 313 yards and a touchdown through the air. He was named the ACC Rookie of the Year and was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the most versatile player in college football.
How Has He Performed This Season?
Through four games this season, Williams has continued to be a major part of Notre Dame’s offense. He has rushed for 328 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 15 receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Williams has shown that he is a versatile back who can make an impact both as a runner and a receiver.
Matchup Analysis
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to start a player is the matchup they are facing. In Week 5, Notre Dame will be taking on the Cincinnati Bearcats. Cincinnati has a solid defense, but they have struggled against the run this season. They are currently allowing an average of 160.8 rushing yards per game, which ranks 75th in the country. This could bode well for Williams, who is likely to see plenty of touches in this game.
Injury Concerns
One potential issue to keep in mind with Williams is his recent injury history. He suffered an ankle injury in Week 4 against Wisconsin and was forced to leave the game. However, Williams has said that he expects to play in Week 5 against Cincinnati. It’s worth monitoring his status throughout the week leading up to the game, but if he is healthy enough to play, he should be a solid option for fantasy owners.
Notre Dame’s Offense
Another factor to consider when deciding whether or not to start Williams is the overall strength of Notre Dame’s offense. The Fighting Irish have a solid offensive line and a talented quarterback in Jack Coan. This should help to open up running lanes for Williams and give him plenty of opportunities to make plays. Additionally, Notre Dame’s offense has been fairly productive this season, averaging 31 points per game. This means that Williams should have plenty of chances to score touchdowns and rack up fantasy points.
Other Factors to Consider
There are a few other factors to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to start Williams. One is his usage in the passing game. Williams has been utilized as a receiver out of the backfield this season, which gives him an added dimension and makes him even more valuable in PPR leagues. Another is the potential for game script. If Notre Dame falls behind early and is forced to pass the ball more often, Williams could see a decrease in touches.
Conclusion
So, should you start Kyren Williams in Week 5? Based on his strong performance this season and the matchup against Cincinnati, he seems like a solid option for fantasy owners. However, it’s important to monitor his injury status and consider the other factors we mentioned before making your final decision. If Williams is healthy and Notre Dame’s offense is firing on all cylinders, he has the potential to put up big numbers and help lead your team to victory.