Giants vs. Bills: Victor Cruz Headlines Players To Watch

Karlos Williams

Sep 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Karlos Williams (29) carries the ball in the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Innerarity-USA TODAY Sports

With LeSean McCoy unlikely to play this week according to CBS Sports because of a hamstring injury, rookie Karlos Williams should be the starting running back. That vaults him into a featured role, but there were some people that already thought Williams should be seeing an increased role in the offense as he has outperformed McCoy this season.

Through three games as the backup, Karlos Williams has gained 186 yards on only 24 carries for a ridiculous 7.8 yards per carry. That yard per carry average is unlikely to be sustained, but Williams still brings the size and skill to succeed in offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s power running scheme.

On the other hand, McCoy has gained 146 yards, but has needed 43 carries to reach that mark for a disappointing 3.4 yards per carry average. He has battled a hamstring injury through those games, but Williams has thoroughly outplayed him, and now the Giants will have to deal with the more effective player of the two as a featured running back.

The Giants run defense has been surprisingly strong this season after being at the bottom of the barrel in 2014. Thus far this season, the Giants rank second in rushing yards allowed with 224, trailing only the 222 yards allowed by the Bills.

Something will have to give Sunday afternoon, as Williams has been strong and so has the Giants rush defense. One person who will have a say in the success of Williams is actually the next player to watch on our list.

Next: Giants Linebacker