The Denver Broncos appear to have made a change in their backfield.
After coach Sean Payton hinted last week that Audric Estime would be more involved in the second half of the season, the rookie led the team’s running backs in snaps (26), carries (14) and rushing yards (53) against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
“We keep wanting to get him involved,” Payton said after the game. “He is a handful.”
Estime’s production was modest as he only averaged 3.8 yards per carry, but if he remains the team’s primary running back going forward, the rookie will quickly become relevant for fantasy football managers.
“I thought he ran well yesterday,” Payton said Monday. “I thought [Marvin] Mims gave us some juice as well. [We’re] just trying to find different roles and different ways to utilize these players. I was encouraged. He’ll continue to get more reps.”
“It’s definitely tough but I think it’s gonna turn me into a monster”
-Broncos RB Audric Estime pic.twitter.com/sl3cgWd2Gn
— Scotty Gange (@Scotty_G6) November 10, 2024
Estime, who was picked by Denver in the fifth round of this year’s NFL draft out of Notre Dame, appears to have leapfrogged Javonte Williams in the RB rotation. Williams will likely remain involved in passing situations (he is the team’s best blocking RB) and Jaleel McLaughlin will continue to mix in, but Estime appears to be the new RB1.
This week, Estime will face an Atlanta Falcons defense that ranks in the bottom half of the NFL against the run, allowing 4.5 yards per carry and 129.4 rushing yards per game. Take note, fantasy football managers.
