Kyren Williams provided an instant spark for the Rams when he returned from injured reserve in Week 12, going over 200 yards from scrimmage against the Cardinals. He continued to play really well this past week against the Browns’ top-ranked defense, rushing for 88 yards and adding 24 yards receiving with one touchdown.
Strictly as a runner, he’s been excellent this season, and his receiving ability is just an added bonus. Sumer Sports shared a chart showing where Williams ranks among the NFL’s most efficient running backs based on EPA (expected points added) per rush and success rate, and he’s near the top. In fact, no running back has a higher EPA per rush than Williams, and only three running backs have a higher success rate: Gus Edwards, Christian McCaffrey and D’Onta Foreman.
Running Back Efficiency – Through Week 13 pic.twitter.com/EleFCNF0VD
— SumerSports (@SumerSports) December 5, 2023
Williams is only 15th in rushing yards this season, but that’s largely because he missed four games. His 85.9 yards per game rank third in the NFL, behind only De’Von Achane and Christian McCaffrey.
In terms of yards from scrimmage (877), he’s 31st among all players despite missing four games and he averages the 18th-highest yards-per-touch rate (5.6). Williams’ 10 total touchdowns are also tied for the fifth-most in the league.
For a second-year back who was drafted in the fifth round, it’s hard for the Rams to expect much more out of Williams than they’re getting right now because he’s been a playmaker throughout the season.