Back in August when we were all preparing for our drafts, we predicted that DeAngelo Williams would have a very productive Fantasy season for those owners who selected him. But we never expected him to be this good.
Williams has been one of the best surprises this season. He went from a bust to a boom just when it seemed like his job was on the line.
The Panthers drafted Jonathan Stewart in the first round of the NFL Draft, and the thought was Stewart would keep Williams in the No. 2 role just as DeShaun Foster did the past two years. But when Stewart couldn't shake a nagging toe injury in training camp, Williams took advantage of the opportunity and never looked back.
He is a No. 1 Fantasy option heading into Week 13 at Green Bay, and he should be going to the Pro Bowl in his third season.
"I wasn't concerned about losing my job," Williams said in a recent phone interview with CBSSports.com. "I knew I was going to have to fight to be the starter, but I knew we would both get playing time."
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DeAngelo Williams has taken advantage of some favorable matchups so far on 2008.
(US Presswire)
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Williams is having a better year than the other members of his much-heralded 2006 draft class. Williams has 886 rushing yards and seven touchdowns and 15 catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns.
Maurice Jones-Drew and LenDale White have done well finding the end zone with 11 touchdowns each, but they don't have as many yards as Williams. Joseph Addai is coming along after a slow start, and Leon Washington is more of a specialist than an every-down back. Reggie Bush (knee) and Laurence Maroney (shoulder) have been derailed by injuries, and Jerious Norwood and Jerome Harrison are still backups.
Williams, however, is leading the way. He is having fun, but the numbers don't matter to him. He's more concerned about winning, and Carolina is 8-3 and tied with Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South.
"I'm not a stat guy," Williams said. "I've always been a team guy. I just put my hat on and go at it."
Williams didn't look at Stewart as a threat. Instead, he wanted to develop a bond with Stewart and make sure they could work together.
Stewart, who is still bothered by injuries to his toe and heel, has turned into the short-yardage back. He has 525 rushing yards and six touchdowns and five catches for 16 yards. Williams remains the starter, and the tandem has thrived.
They had their best game in Week 11 against Detroit when Williams ran for 120 yards and two touchdowns, and Stewart had 130 yards and a touchdown. Williams would like to see more of those games with both running backs receiving praise.
"We're working well together," Williams said. "We've developed a great friendship. We compliment each other well. When I come off the field, he picks up right where I left off. We never give the defense a chance to take a break. It keeps the defense on their heels. They have to respect each of our games."
Williams has been on an impressive roll that he hopes continues right into the playoffs. Fantasy owners are hoping for the same thing.
Williams has a four-game streak with at least 100 yards rushing and has scored a touchdown in five-straight games. He has 469 rushing yards in his past four games.
Williams should close out the season with solid stats. He has tough games remaining against Tampa Bay in Week 14 and the Giants in Week 16, but he also faces poor run defenses in Green Bay this week, Denver in Week 15 and New Orleans in the season-finale.
A strong finish will increase Williams' value heading into 2009, and he should be a good keeper option for many Fantasy owners. In our recent 2009 Early Mock Draft, I took Williams in the third round at No. 31 overall. That was much higher than where he went this year at No. 73 overall, according to his average draft position on CBSSports.com.
I thought that getting Williams there was a steal, and many of you e-mailed with the same sentiment. Williams will be drafted in the second round next year -- if not higher -- with how he's played.
Sure, Stewart will continue to steal carries, but Williams has thrived in this tandem so far. There's no reason to think he can't do it again.
Next year, Williams isn't going to surprise anyone. We know now how good he really is.
What are your thoughts about DeAngelo Williams? Let us know -- e-mail us at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: DeAngelo Williams in the subject field. Include your full name, hometown and state.
