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The Denver Broncos’ rushing attack featured several contributors during a 38-6 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
For fantasy football managers searching for a top player on Denver’s running back depth chart, the exact pecking order is still uncertain. Audric Estime previously earned a team-high 14 carries in Week 10, but Javonte Williams saw more playing time against the Falcons.
Michael F. Florio @MichaelFFlorio
#Broncos Week 11 RB Usage
– Javonte Williams: 53% snaps, 9 carries, 15 routes, 5 targets (87 yds, TD)
– Audric Estime: 22% snaps, 6 carries, 5 routes, 3 targets (27 yds)
– Jaleel McLaughlin: 13% snaps, 4 carries, 0 targets (19 yds)
Sam Wagman @swagman95
Every single fantasy league had someone spend all of their FAAB in Audric Estime
Sean Payton re-shuffling Javonte Williams to be the RB1pic.twitter.com/xHLYvfcVO9
Williams also averaged 6.6 yards per carry on Sunday compared to just 2.7 yards per attempt for Estime.
Williams made an impact as a receiver, recording four catches for 28 yards.
It was a surprising distribution of playing time, as Estime appeared to be trending towards a larger role in Denver’s offense. The fifth-round rookie saw his snap count increase during each of the Broncos’ three games prior to Sunday’s contest (via Pro Football Reference).
Head coach Sean Payton also confirmed that Estime’s workload would increase during the second half of the season when asked about the topic on Nov. 4.
“That’s a good and fair question, and one that I think I would answer, ‘Yes,'” Payton said at the time, via Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post.
Heading into the matchup with Atlanta, Williams struggled with his efficiency on the ground. He averaged just 3.8 yards per carry through his first 10 appearances, lower than the averages of Estime (5.1) as well as second-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin (4.0).
Although it’s important not to put too much stock into single-game performances, Williams’ increased usage during a blowout win could lead to more opportunities moving forward.
He should also be an enticing option for managers in PPR leagues, as he’s been utilized as a weapon in the pass game far more often than Estime and McLaughlin. Williams has totaled 35 catches for 250 yards this season while the other two running backs have combined for just 19 receptions and 56 yards.
Williams will likely remain Denver’s top running back moving forward as the team attempts a playoff push. As for Estime, fantasy managers should keep him on the bench until his role in the Broncos’ offense becomes more defined.
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