Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Austin Ekeler vs Javonte WilliamsWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Javonte Williams is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 14.1 PPG to Austin Ekeler's 9.0 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Javonte Williams is the better fantasy play this season.

The gap here is significant. Javonte Williams outscored Austin Ekeler by 5.1 PPG in 2025 with 13 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, Javonte Williams is the clear pick. Austin Ekeler profiles as a matchup-dependent running back who can spike but lacks the consistent floor.

High confidence: stats strongly favor the leader, and the gap is unlikely to close on matchup alone.

Want this verdict updated live on Sunday?

Track Austin Ekeler and Javonte Williams in the DraftCall app and get their updates the moment they change.

Get the App

RBWashington Commanders#99

Austin Ekeler

PPG

9.0

Games

Rush Yds

425

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

360

Bye

Week 14

RBDallas Cowboys#12PPG LEADER

Javonte Williams

PPG

14.1

Games

Rush Yds

1,201

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

137

Bye

Week 14

The Edge Chart

Austin Ekeler

Javonte Williams

Head to Head

9.0 PPG14.1 PPG

14 GP16 GP

Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 14

Fantasy Tiers

Austin Ekeler: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Javonte Williams: Tier 2 (Strong Starter) RB (ranked #12 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Austin Ekeler is producing at 41% of elite pace and Javonte Williams at 64%. That ranking gap means Javonte Williams carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Austin Ekeler vs Javonte Williams: The Full Breakdown

Deciding between Austin Ekeler and Javonte Williams is a common lineup dilemma for fantasy managers. The Washington Commanders running back put up 9.0 PPG in 2025 over 14 games; Javonte Williams of the Dallas Cowboys averaged 14.1 in 16. A 5.1-point margin that could shift on any given week.

The per-game difference of 5.1 points favors Javonte Williams, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one running back to the other.

Austin Ekeler is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 45 targets into 360 yards, while Javonte Williams profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Austin Ekeler carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.

Both share a Week 14 bye, which matters for roster construction. If you are stacking running backs this deep on your bench, plan your replacement running back early.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Javonte Williams is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Austin Ekeler is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: Austin Ekeler (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Javonte Williams (age 26) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Javonte Williams outscored Austin Ekeler by a projected 87 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Javonte Williams played 16 games in 2025 compared to Austin Ekeler's 14. That durability gap means Javonte Williams contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Javonte Williams scored 13 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.8 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•Austin Ekeler caught 45 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.
•Both players share a Week 14 bye. If you roster both, you will need a replacement at the position that week.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Austin Ekeler vs Javonte Williams: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Austin Ekeler	Javonte Williams
PPG (Half-PPR)	9.0	14.1
Games Played	14	16
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	126	226
Rushing Yards	425	1,201
Rush Yds/Game	30.4	75.1
Rushing TDs	3	11
Receptions	45	35
Receiving Yards	360	137
Targets	0	51
Total TDs	5	13
Age	-	26
Experience	-	4 yrs
Bye Week	Week 14	Week 14

Summary

14.1 PPG for Javonte Williams versus 9.0 for Austin Ekeler in 2025. The baseline favors Javonte Williams, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

Website vs App

Get the AI verdict on Austin Ekeler vs Javonte Williams

DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality, recent trends, injury impact, and game script to give you a clear start/sit recommendation.

See everything in the app →

Launch List

Get the live verdict on Austin Ekeler vs Javonte Williams

The DraftCall app delivers live game-day verdicts on every matchup. Join the launch list and we will email you the day it goes live for the 2026 NFL season, with your direct iOS and Android install links.

We will never share your email. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Austin Ekeler or Javonte Williams in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Javonte Williams has the edge at 14.1 PPG compared to Austin Ekeler's 9.0 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Austin Ekeler and Javonte Williams average in 2025?▾

Austin Ekeler averaged 9.0 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Javonte Williams averaged 14.1 PPG over 16 games. That is a difference of 5.1 points per game.

Do Austin Ekeler and Javonte Williams share a bye week?▾

Yes, both Austin Ekeler and Javonte Williams share a Week 14 bye in 2026. If you roster both, you will need a fill-in at running back for that week.

Is Austin Ekeler or Javonte Williams a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Javonte Williams outscored Austin Ekeler by 5.1 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.