Dalton Schultz or Javonte Williams: Who Should You Start?

2026 Week 4 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.

Williams' workhorse role beats Schultz's target floor

Williams gets the edge because his lead-back workload offers a stronger touch base, even against a difficult matchup for running backs. The call is narrower than the projection gap suggests: Schultz’s concentrated targets and Houston’s better scoring outlook give him a credible floor. Schultz’s reliable work over the middle is appealing, but Williams has the more substantial weekly role. The risk is that Houston’s run defense limits Williams and his lighter receiving role offers little catch-based relief.

What flips it: A confirmed loss of Williams’ lead-back workload.

AI editor

Dalton Schultz

Dalton Schultz

TE21HOUvs DAL

Projected Points

Start· low
Javonte Williams

Javonte Williams

RB15DALvs HOU

Projected Points

Start

Dalton Schultz’s market

REC
O/U 4.5
-113 / -113
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 40.5
-113 / -111
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+225
Anytime Touchdown Props →

Javonte Williams’s market

RUSH YDS
O/U 60.5
-110 / -114
Rushing Yards Props →
REC
O/U 2.5
-131 / +103
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 13.5
-115 / -109
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
-130
Anytime Touchdown Props →
DAL@
HOUSun, Oct 4, 1:00 PM ETView the game →
DAL@
HOUSun, Oct 4, 1:00 PM ETView the game →

Why Dalton Schultz

Start· low

TE1 in high-volume pass-catching role. Reliable chain-mover over the middle with sure hands.

22% target share in an offense implied for 25.0 points gives Schultz a usable floor, though his TE21 consensus rank sits outside TE1 range.

  • His chain-moving routes give him a way to contribute even if he doesn’t score.
  • Houston’s scoring outlook gives his steady targets a better chance to become useful TE production.

The call

  • Usage is the selling point. A 22% target share through 3 games is strong volume for a tight end, and he carries no injury designation.
  • Game environment helps. An implied team total of 25.0 as a 2.5-point favorite points to a productive, balanced script with scoring chances.
  • The matchup is mildly favorable at 21 of 32 against the position. It rests on a 3-game sample with 0.25 confidence, so it adds little.
  • The risk is his ceiling. A 63% snap share and a 9.0-point projection at TE21 make him a streaming-level start. Any healthy top-12 tight end should start over him.

Latest on Schultz

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Why Javonte Williams

Start

RB1 and workhorse lead back. Contact-balance runner with pass-protection reliability and steady receiving usage.

Start — RB15 consensus, projects RB17 this week: 12% target share, 14.5 PPR projected vs HOU.

  • Workhorse status gives him a path to volume if Dallas sticks with the run.
  • His pass-protection reliability supports his every-down role, though it doesn’t erase the tough matchup.

Latest on Williams

Javonte Williams, Cowboys find success in run game, now need to 'get back on track'

Javonte Williams and the Cowboys offense were able to finally find a spark in the run game. Still, he knows they need to do more in order to "get back on track"

dallascowboys.com · Sep 27, 2026
Cowboys' TD record: I caught a TD pass from Dak Prescott

Prescott passed Tony Romo in the record book, so we bring you the best moments from those who helped him make history.

ESPN · Sep 20, 2026

Reported by the sources listed — not independently verified.

Head-to-head stats

MetricDalton SchultzJavonte Williams
Projected points
Consensus rankTE21RB15
Opponent vs positionDAL · 21 of 323-game sampleHOU · 5 of 323-game sample
Receptions19 of 323 of 32
Receiving Yards19 of 322 of 32
Receiving TDs27 of 32—
Targets13 of 32—
Anytime TD26 of 321 of 32
Rushing Yards—9 of 32
Rushing TDs—1 of 32
Rushing Attempts—13 of 32
Target share22%12%
Reception share26%14%
Implied total · spread25.0-2.522.5+2.5
Depth chartTE1RB1
Snap share63%76%
Start/Sit record0–11–1

Recent form

Dalton Schultz — last 3 weeks

Week 3vs IND
Week 2vs CIN
Week 1vs BUF

Javonte Williams — last 3 weeks

Week 3vs BAL
Week 2vs WSH
Week 1vs NYG

Signal breakdown

  • 9.0 vs 14.5 projected PPR pointsJavonte Williams +
  • Rank 21 vs 15Javonte Williams +
  • Opponent DvP rank 21 vs 5 (32 = softest)Dalton Schultz +
  • Implied 25.0 vs 22.5 team pointsDalton Schultz +
  • No injury designationseven
  • 63% vs 76% snap shareJavonte Williams +

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