The Denver Broncos have one of the deepest running back units in the NFL. Javonte Williams is potentially the lead guy, with Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, and Samaje Perine filling out the depth chart.
However, fantasy players are frustrated with the backfield, as all four running backs could have a role in 2024. Many hope that the team will trade a running back during training camp.
How should fantasy players handle the Broncos backfield in 2024? Let’s look at their fantasy football outlooks.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024 fantasy football drafts:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Fantasy football rookie rankings
- Best ball fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
Javonte Williams 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Williams is a former second-round pick with a 900-rushing yard season on his resume. However, he averaged only 3.6 yards per rushing attempt last year after tearing his ACL in 2022. More importantly, his roster spot is up for grabs. Reportedly, Williams and Perine are fighting for one roster spot during training camp.
Are Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine competing for one roster spot? Broncos insider @TroyRenck believes so.
The expectation is Audric Estime & Jaleel McLaughlin are locks to make the roster, while Williams & Perine battle it out for the remaining spot. pic.twitter.com/ES1BJOXsrJ
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) July 20, 2024
Jaleel McLaughlin 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
McLaughlin is one of my favorite running backs to draft this season. The former undrafted running back flashed star potential as a rookie. Furthermore, he is the team’s best pass-catching running back. Fantasy players shouldn’t be surprised if Sean Payton views McLaughlin as his next Alvin Kamara and gives him a massive role in the passing game.
Jaleel McLaughlin is this year’s version of 2023 Jaylen Warren
UDFAs who have legit receiving upside and juice.
Warren went from 28 receptions in ‘22 to 61 in ‘23.
McLaughlin could double his 31 receptions- or more.
Great fit with Bo Nix in Denverpic.twitter.com/iEJ46ExAuw https://t.co/f0GtfUUPER
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) June 19, 2024
Audric Estime 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Estime had a productive college career, totaling 366 rushing attempts for 2,261 yards and 29 touchdowns over the past two years at Notre Dame. While he isn’t much of a threat in the passing game, the fifth-round rookie could be a featured guy on early downs for the Broncos, especially if Williams isn’t on the roster. Estime is an excellent late-round sleeper.
#Broncos HC Sean Payton on how he views RB Audric Estime:
“The first vision would be first and second down runner… We’ll kind of see how that unfolds, but he’s strong. I think he has real good vision, contact balance.” pic.twitter.com/Yuc26cG4mi
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) April 28, 2024
Who Should I Draft?
Fantasy players should draft Williams before McLaughlin and Estime. However, the two younger running backs are two of my favorite later-round draft targets. Williams could find himself off the roster as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract.
Therefore, fantasy players should draft McLaughlin and Estime at their double-digit round ADPs and hope the Broncos trade Williams over the next few weeks.
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