Denver Broncos DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime will inevitably see the field more in Week 16 on Thursday Night Football against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers with Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) ruled out. But will it be enough of a role to make him flex-worthy for fantasy managers in semifinal matchups in most leagues? Probably not. Estime and Javonte Williams will most likely split the backfield touches pretty evenly, and Denver's rushing game has been a weak point of the offense all year long. Meanwhile, the Chargers defense has only allowed five total touchdowns to RBs all year and the sixth-fewest half-PPR points per game. The 21-year-old Estime is still searching for his first NFL touchdown while averaging 4.4 yards per carry on 46 attempts through 10 games. Estime should stay on benches in what is expected to be a low-scoring Thursday night contest.

It's probably tempting for fantasy managers to start Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix in Week 16 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers after Tampa QB Baker Mayfield lit them up for four touchdowns in a blowout win last week. However, you may want to think twice. Nix has exceeded expectations in his first year with the Broncos and is the QB10 in overall fantasy points despite a slow start in 2024. But the 12th overall pick out of Oregon has thrown four touchdowns and five interceptions in the last two games while completing only 55.88% of his passes for 424 yards. The Chargers defense has been middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to QBs on the year, but they are also tied with Denver for the fewest points allowed per game (17.6). On paper, this divisional battle figures to be a low-scoring affair, potentially limiting Nix's fantasy upside. He went 19-for-33 for 216 yards, two touchdowns and a pick in the Week 6 loss to LA.

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. McLaughlin opened the week as a non-participate but was able to upgrade to a limited participant on Tuesday. However, he was downgraded on Thursday and will set his sights on returning in Week 17 to face the Cincinnati Bengals. The 24-year-old left last weekend's game early with this injury. Before departing, McLaughlin tallied 21 yards on seven attempts. McLaughlin has struggled to find consistent attempts in the offense but has flashed some upside when given work, as he has averaged 5.3 yards per carry over his past four games. With McLaughlin ruled out, fantasy managers should expect Javonte Williams to see a majority of the opportunities out of the backfield.

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (shoulder) underwent surgery on Monday to fix a torn labrum in his left shoulder. It was already announced that Engram would miss the rest of the 2024 season with his injury, but head coach Doug Pederson said he is expected to be back for spring workouts. The 30-year-old was placed on Injured Reserve last weekend, officially ending his season. After a career year in 2023 with the Jags in which he caught 114 passes for 963 yards and four touchdowns, Engram finishes 2024 with 47 catches, 365 receiving yards and only one touchdown in nine starts. It just wasn't meant to be for Jacksonville this year, and it didn't help Engram's cause that quarterback Trevor Lawrence couldn't stay healthy. Engram will be heading into the final year of his three-year, $41.25 million extension in 2025.

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) did not suit up for practice on Monday. It's worth noting that this was an estimated practice report, so fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it. McLaughlin was forced to exit early during Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. That being said, McLaughlin appears to be in danger of sitting out Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. If that happens, Javonte Williams and Audric Estime would see more snaps in the backfield. Between the two, Williams is the more appealing fantasy option. Williams has struggled recently, but had some decent performances earlier in the season.