Kyren Williams Dynasty Value | Fantasy Outlook, Ranking, and More

Every year in the world of fantasy football, a running back comes out of nowhere to have a monster season. In 2023, it was second-year RB Kyren Williams, whose 1,144 rushing yards and 12 TDs helped fantasy managers enjoy a ton of success.

The real question for dynasty managers is whether or not Williams will replicate this type of production in 2024. How should you value the Los Angeles Rams‘ talented RB moving forward?

Kyren Williams’ Dynasty Outlook

If you watched Williams in this Rams offense in 2022, then you would have very little reason to believe his 2023 explosion was within the range of outcomes.

His 139 yards on just 35 carries his rookie season left very little room for optimism that he would ever be a big contributor to this Los Angeles offense. Of course, the 2022 version of the Rams wasn’t exactly anything to write home about, which made this unit an interesting group heading into this season.

Many believed RB Cam Akers was finally set to live up to his fantasy potential after a strong finish to the 2022 campaign and looked like the leading man in this backfield heading into the year.

Well, it took a total of one game from Williams to convince Rams head coach Sean McVay and the organization to part ways with Akers, and the rest is history.

To give you an idea of how great Williams has been this year, he trails only San Francisco 49ers’ RB Christian McCaffrey in fantasy points per game this season in full-PPR formats.

Speaking of McCaffrey, Williams is the only running back in the NFL with more total touches — carries and receptions — on a per-game basis than CMC this year. For some exact figures, Williams averages 21.7 touches per game to McCaffrey’s 21.2.

However, it is time to be very clear: pure volume is far from the only reason Williams has been an elite fantasy producer in 2023.

No player averages more broken tackles per game than Williams this season. So, when you combine that stat with his 791 rushing yards before contact this year — which trails only McCaffrey — with his ability to make people miss consistently, you have the recipe for a fantasy star.

His 1,350 total yards and 15 total touchdowns in just 12 games this year have him in elite territory.

The real question dynasty managers want to know is whether or not this is a one-year wonder or a preview of things to come.

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The answer is unclear, but it is very hard to imagine a scenario where McVay wants to look in a different direction heading into next season, given the overwhelming amount of production he has gotten from Williams this year.

Williams has topped the century mark on the ground, handled 20+ carries, and caught a minimum of three passes in half of his games this year. Those are elite usage metrics by any standard.

However, that usage hasn’t come at the expense of his efficiency. Williams is averaging a staggering 5.02 yards per carry (YPC) this year. McCaffrey is the only other running back with a 5+ YPC mark, with 200+ opportunities on the ground this year.

Williams should be considered a top-10 running back in dynasty formats. Quite frankly, I’m having a really hard time not putting him in my top five. His role in this Rams offense should be secure, barring any unforeseen changes this offseason.

If you aren’t a believer in Williams’ prospect profile or simply like to sell young running backs after a big season to collect future assets due to the volatility of the RB position, then, by all means, sell high. Your return on investment should be massive right now.

However, Williams has shown us fantasy brilliance at the age of 23 with two years left on his rookie deal in an offense that has proven they can produce league-winners at the RB position. Williams was exactly that this year. I would need a massive haul to move off of Williams in dynasty formats.

Williams’ Dynasty Ranking

Williams skyrocketed up the dynasty rankings this 2023 season and now finds himself in the top-10 conversation at the RB position in half-PPR scoring formats.

Derek Tate’s Top-10 Dynasty RB Rankings

1) Bijan Robinson | ATL
2) Breece Hall | NYJ
3) Jahmyr Gibbs | DET
4) Christian McCaffrey | SF
5) Jonathan Taylor | IND
6) Travis Etienne Jr. | JAX
7) Kyren Williams | LAR
8) Saquon Barkley | NYG
9) Rachaad White | TB
10) Isiah Pacheco | KC

Trending Trades Involving Williams

Are you considering trading Williams? Our PFN Trade Analyzer allows you to find the best trades to make in seconds! It also allows us to see trending searches, which we’ve compiled a few of the most popular below.

Should You Trade Williams for D’Andre Swift?

No offense to D’Andre Swift, but his situation is far too uncertain to trust to part ways with Williams. Swift is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and there is no guarantee his situation will improve with a new team over the one he had with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.

I would not trade Williams for Swift in the dynasty.

Should You Trade Williams for Jonathan Taylor?

This one is interesting because Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor has secured a contract extension and should be in line to be the feature back alongside a dual-threat QB in Anthony Richardson for the next few years.

Once Taylor got up to speed, he flashed some of his RB1 ability before suffering a thumb injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both players are set up to succeed in 2024, but I still have Taylor a bit higher because I’m very optimistic about the future of this offense in Indy.

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We also know that Taylor is a proven bell-cow back. Williams was great this year but did miss four games due to an injury and he’s listed at just 194 pounds. There is just a bit more security with Taylor’s size and a similar fantasy ceiling, which has me leaning toward going with Taylor over Williams at this moment.

Yes, I would trade Williams for Taylor in the dynasty.

Should You Trade Williams for Jaylen Waddle?

An elite WR prospect like Jaylen Waddle is always going to be intriguing to acquire over a young RB without quality draft capital. Despite taking a bit of a step back in 2023, Waddle’s resume of production over his first three years has been solid, with 70+ receptions and 1,000+ yards in all three seasons.

Waddle has one more year remaining on his rookie deal before the team needs to decide on his fifth-year option, while Williams is under contract with the Rams through 2025.

Waddle’s role in this Miami offense alongside Tyreek Hill is secure, but the presence of Hill does lower his fantasy ceiling by a fair margin. Williams, on the other hand, was unleashed at a league-winning type level in 2023.

If you are playing the long game and trying to retool for the future, I would deal with Williams for Waddle. However, if you are a contender looking to win your league in 2024, then I would prioritize Williams over Waddle.

Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!