Week 9 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Running Back: DeAngelo Williams

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
27 Rushes, 170 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
2 Receptions, 55 Yards, 4 Targets
NEP: +13.44

DeAngelo Williams did his best Le'Veon Bell impersonation this week and picked up right where he left off in the first two weeks of the season. Williams attacked the Oakland front-seven with ferocity, seeing 90% of the carries and helping the Steelers pick up a 38-35 win at home to take them to 5-4 on the season.

The 32-year-old Williams saw 27 carries for 170 yards as Pittsburgh bullied Oakland all afternoon in the trenches. Williams was also able to rip off a pair of three-yard goal line runs for touchdowns, giving him five on the season -- tied for third most in the league. His biggest play of the afternoon came on a 53-yard burst around the left end where he flipped on the burners after waiting for his blocks to develop until being forced out of bounds. Williams' veteran savvy showed in pass coverage as he also found holes and was able to get loose for 55 yards on just a pair of receptions.

This week's performance raised Williams' Rushing NEP to third-highest among all running backs on the season and his Total NEP (factoring in receiving) to seventh-highest. Williams posted 38.5 PPR fantasy points this week, highest among all running backs. Shedding the "backup" label, Williams will be a hot fantasy asset going down the stretch with a favorable schedule starting with Cleveland next week.

Karlos Williams rose to the occasion when his number was called, picking up 110 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 9 carries. Receiving backs continue to dominate the weekly NEP charts, as the remaining four backs all had at least 70 receiving yards. DeMarco Murray and rookie Jeremy Langford both had 18 carries and were able to reward fantasy owners with a touchdown a piece. Lamar Miller had a tough time getting yards on the ground against a stout Buffalo run defense but was able to find his way to two touchdowns. Danny Woodhead was left uncovered for an easy touchdown reception and led all Chargers' skill players in yards this week.