DeVonta Smith or Javonte Williams: Toss-Up — Week 1 Start/Sit Verdict

Smith’s volume meets Williams’ workhorse role in an even PPR call

Smith’s steadier involvement offsets Williams’ slightly higher raw projection, so neither gains meaningful separation in PPR or half-PPR. Smith has the cleaner volume profile and Philadelphia’s stronger scoring environment, while Williams’ lead-back role gives him the best case for touchdowns and explains the standard-scoring edge. Sports Illustrated (Cowboys On SI) 2026-09-01 confirms Williams remains the clear starter, though added depth is the call’s main risk. Smith’s risk is needing receiving volume rather than rushing opportunities to convert the matchup, but both are confident starts.

What flips it: A confirmed reduction in Williams’ lead-back role.

Sources: Sports Illustrated (Cowboys On SI) · Sep 1, 2026

AI editor

In standard scoring this flips to Williams.

DeVonta Smith

WR11PHIvs WSH

9.512.114.8 Projected Points

Start

Javonte Williams

RB12DALvs NYG

13.014.115.2 Projected Points

Start· medium

Why DeVonta Smith

Start

WR1-caliber outside receiver. Elite route technician with reliable hands and high target volume.

Start — every-week WR start at consensus WR11: WSH is the 10th-softest matchup vs WRs, 26.0 implied team total.

Smith’s route precision and reliable hands give his target volume a sturdy floor, not just a favorable matchup.
Philadelphia’s scoring outlook improves his touchdown access without requiring him to dominate the matchup.

Why Javonte Williams

Start· medium

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

RB15 projection at 15.5 points with a 69% snap share and no injury designation — a locked-in every-week starter in 12-team PPR.

Sports Illustrated (Cowboys On SI) 2026-09-01 confirms Williams’ lead-back role remains intact despite added backfield depth.
His contact balance and pass-protection reliability support staying on the field in close game scripts.

The call

Role is the driver: 69% snap share plus a 9% target share means Williams is on the field for both early-down work and passing situations, giving him a stable PPR floor.
Consensus has him as RB15 with 15.5 projected points — that clears the replacement-level bar in a 12-team league comfortably.
Game script is workable: a 25.0 implied team total as a 1.5-point favorite points to a competitive game where the lead back keeps carries late.
Main risk is the narrow spread — if this flips into a chase script, the volume tilts toward passing, but his target share cushions that outcome.

Latest on Williams

Role

Javonte Williams remains the clear starting running back, with the Cowboys strengthening the depth behind him by claiming RB Emari Demercado off waivers, viewed as an upgrade over previous backup Jaydon Blue.

Sports Illustrated (Cowboys On SI) · Sep 1, 2026

Head-to-head stats

Metric	DeVonta Smith	Javonte Williams
Projected points	9.512.114.8	13.014.115.2
Consensus rank	WR11	RB12
Opponent vs position	WSH · 23 of 320-game sample	NYG · 21 of 320-game sample
Receptions	25 of 32	20 of 32
Receiving Yards	27 of 32	15 of 32
Receiving TDs	22 of 32	—
Targets	23 of 32	—
Anytime TD	18 of 32	23 of 32
Rushing Yards	—	31 of 32
Rushing TDs	—	24 of 32
Rushing Attempts	—	14 of 32
Target share	24%(2025)	9%(2025)
Reception share	24%(2025)	9%(2025)
Implied total · spread	26.0-5.5	25.0-1.5
Depth chart	WR1	RB1
Snap share	84%(2025)	69%(2025)