KyrenWilliams

News: 21 hours agoThe Rams don't plan to play Williams or other key players in Saturday's preseason game against the Chargers, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.

Spin: Coach Sean McVay suggested his plan will be similar to the preseason opener against Dallas, in which the Rams not only held out starters but also a lot of key backups, including rookie RB Blake Corum. McVay even said the list of rested players could be longer this time, so there's no reason to expect an appearance from starters like Williams and Cooper Kupp who are ticketed for huge roles come Week 1. There is some thought that Corum's presence will leave Williams with lighter workloads than he handled last year, but the third-year pro can afford to lose some work and still maintain considerable fantasy value, after averaging 19.0 carries and 4.0 targets in 12 appearances last year. Williams missed 12 regular-season games over his first two campaigns, and there is some concern that missed time in 2024 would allow Corum to thrive in a lead role and complicate the Rams' backfield thereafter.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: After injuries kept Williams off the field in 2022, he entered his sophomore effort barely drafted by fantasy managers (14th-round ADP in 12-team PPR leagues). That quickly changed as Williams emerged as the Rams' undisputed RB1, averaging nearly 22 touches per contest in his 12 games played. A creative runner with receiving chops and an uncanny nose for the end zone (15 total TDs, third among RBs), Williams turned on the jets down the stretch, posting nearly 24 fantasy points per game from Weeks 12 through 17. He did break his hand during the team's Wild Card game in Detroit, but should be healed up in time for training camp. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on rookie Blake Corum's potential ascent, but Williams remains the lead back and is a solid RB1 target.