Each week in the NFL brings surprises, and fantasy football managers must decide what to believe. Eric Karabell offers a few predictions, starting with a bold one: Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams could finish as a top 5 option this season.
Williams, 25, consistently outperforms expectations and his average draft position. He entered 2026 having surpassed 1,100 rushing yards in three consecutive seasons, with 13 or more total touchdowns each year and at least a top 10 fantasy finish. Yet he went 14th at his position in ESPN ADP. The Rams drafted Michigan's Blake Corum early in 2024 and gave him a significant role in Year 2, but Williams remains the leader in fantasy points entering a Monday night game against the Buffalo Bills.
The key change is in the passing game. Matthew Stafford is throwing to Williams far more often. Williams has 16 receptions for 137 yards on 20 targets over the past two weeks. He is pacing toward 89 receptions for 735 yards, a notable jump from last season's 36 catches. If that receiving work continues, Williams may deliver his best season yet.
Karaberll also compares Williams to Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers. McCaffrey's volume has dropped sharply, and Williams is producing numbers similar to McCaffrey's 2025 output while outscoring him by roughly four fantasy points per game. Karabell also suggests managers frustrated with Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown should consider trading for him quickly, as Brown's numbers are down more than two fantasy points per game from last season.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing