1. Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions
Obvious and clear, Williams is atop this list of fantasy football waiver wire fill-ins for D’Andre Swift.
With Swift limited against the Vikings in Week 3, Williams had 20 carries for 87 yards and two touchdown (as well as two catches for 20 yards). He has topped 50 yards on the ground in back-to-back games, with at least 11 carries in all three games this season. In Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had another two-touchdown game.
Week 4 brings a good matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who will enter the new week in the bottom-five of the league in fantasy points allowed to running backs. Williams, if Swift is able to play, will be a solid flex option in 12-team leagues. If Swift is out, as seems to be expected, Williams would push into RB2 consideration against the Seahawks.
Even when Swift has been in uniform so far this season, Williams has had a notable role and he’s gotten most of the goal line work.
The prospect of 20-plus carries for any games Swift may miss raises Williams’ upside from flex to RB2 territory, with scoring opportunities to offset any yardage deficiencies in tougher matchups.
Regardless of how many games Swift might or might not miss, Williams should be owned in all 12-team leagues.
Yahoo! Ownership: 61%
ESPN Ownership: 44.3%