Fansided

32 breakout fantasy football players for the 2016-17 NFL season

By Andrew C. Lovell

May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Karlos Williams (29) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Giants during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Giants beat the Bills 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Karlos Williams (29) celebrates his touchdown against the New York Giants during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Giants beat the Bills 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

Buffalo Bills – RB Karlos Williams

But wait, you’re thinking, the Bills still have LeSean McCoy! That’s true, “Shady” is still in Buffalo. But he’s also approaching 28 years old (pushing the limit for a running back) and has seen his rushing yards and touchdowns both decline in each of the last three seasons.

Williams, on the other hand, was the very definition of efficiency in 2015. He touched the ball only 104 times (93 carries, 11 receptions), but still found the end zone nine times, which tied with wide receiver Sammy Watkins for the team lead.

Williams rushed for 517 yards on those 93 carries, which equated to 5.6 yards per carry. That would have tied with Seattle rookie Thomas Rawls for the league lead, had Williams qualified.

Williams’ production was pretty spectacular given his limited opportunity, but there’s reason to believe he’ll have more chances to shine in 2016. McCoy missed four games last season, and if durability is a lingering concern, the Bills will want to lighten his workload. That opens the door for Williams.

Barring a season-ending injury to McCoy, it’s unlikely that Williams will suddenly become the Bills’ workhorse. But as he showed last season, he doesn’t need a heavy workload to be a viable fantasy option.

Next: Carolina Panthers

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