Audric Estime's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime could be poised to be the Broncos' leading rusher for the second straight week on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11. Head coach Sean Payton said before last week's loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs that the team was looking to get Estime more involved, but it was a surprise to see him lead the backfield with 14 carries for 53 yards, while Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin combined for three carries for 13 yards. The 21-year-old rookie is expected to continue to see more reps against Atlanta on Sunday, making him the best fantasy option in Denver's backfield as an RB3/flex. The bad news for Estime's fantasy value is he hasn't been targeted through the air over 47 offensive snaps in his six games in 2024, likely making him touchdown-dependent on the ground.

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime will "continue to get more reps," according to head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos said early last week that they wanted to get Estime more involved in their backfield before giving him a team-high 14 for 53 yards in the Week 10 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. He played 45% of the offensive snaps, with Javonte Williams playing 29% of the snaps and seeing only three touches. Payton was encouraged by Estime's performance against the Chiefs, which means he could once again lead Denver's backfield in a Week 11 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The 21-year-old fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame has been efficient on his 29 carries in six games, averaging 5.1 yards per tote, and is worth waiver-wire consideration for any fantasy managers in need at the RB position. Williams' fantasy stock could be on life support soon.

The Denver Broncos said recently that they were looking to get rookie running back Audric Estime more involved, and they weren't kidding, as he finished with team-highs in carries (14) and rushing yards (53) in the 16-14 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in Week 10. Estime was not targeted in the passing game, but out-touched both Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin 14 to five and out-gained them 53 to 19. It was the 21-year-old's biggest workload, by far, of his rookie season, and although he shouldn't be expected to lead Denver's backfield every week the rest of the way, his workload on Sunday shouldn't be ignored. At the very least, Estime is worth a deep-league waiver-wire pickup heading into a Week 11 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Estime's heavy volume is obviously bad news for Williams' fantasy value moving forward.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he expects to use rookie running back Audric Estime more down the stretch in 2024. Estime played only 10 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 9 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday but had as many carries (five) as Jaleel McLaughlin and was more efficient with 35 rushing yards. The 35 yards on the ground was a season-high for the 21-year-old fifth-round selection out of Notre Dame, and he's been quite efficient with 6.3 yards per carry on his 15 rushing attempts through the first five games of his career. Estime probably still won't be worth adding in 12-team fantasy leagues, but this statement from Payton is surely bad news for McLaughlin, who has averaged 3.9 yards per tote in 2024 after averaging 5.4 yards per carry in his rookie campaign in 2023.

Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime hasn't done much with his chances this season. The rookie back has been barely seen on the field this season, but that's likely to change in Week 9. The Broncos are reportedly hopeful to get Estime more involved during their matchup with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. He's currently the third string back behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin in the backfield. Estime hasn't done enough to warrant adding in most fantasy formats but he's worth a stash in dynasty formats.