Javonte Williams vs Rico Dowdle: Who Should You Start?
If you are choosing between Javonte Williams and Rico Dowdle for your lineup, you are not alone. Javonte Williams finished the 2025 season at 14.1 PPG for the Dallas Cowboys (16 games), and Rico Dowdle averaged 11.6 for the Pittsburgh Steelers (17 games).
That 2.5-point weekly advantage for Javonte Williams is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Javonte Williams ran for 1201 yards and 11 touchdowns; Rico Dowdle posted 1076 and 6. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One scheduling note: Javonte Williams is off Week 7 and Rico Dowdle Week 9. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
