Audric Estime DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime made his return to the field two weeks ago, but has struggled to make an impact on the field. Last week, Estime rushed five times for 29 yards and also lost a fumble in the loss to the New Orleans Saints. The rookie back is currently the third string behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin in the backfield. His role figures to grow as the season goes on, but Estime is unlikely to see a significant workload with the other two backs healthy. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should hold Estime, but he's unlikely to have weekly value right now.

In the Denver Broncos blowout victory over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night in Week 7, rookie running back Audric Estime out-carried Jaleel McLaughlin five to four, although McLaughlin out-gained the rookie 35 to 29 on the ground in the 33-10 victory. Estime also lost a fumble. Lead back Javonte Williams was the real winner on the night for Denver's offense with 14 carries for a season-high 88 yards and his first two touchdowns of the year. Estime's five carries were a season-high after seeing two totes apiece in his first two NFL games in Weeks 1 and 6. Although Estime could be in head coach Sean Payton's doghouse after losing a fumble against New Orleans, the rookie's presence in Denver's backfield moving forward is yet another reason why McLaughlin cannot be trusted in starting fantasy lineups. Neither RB was targeted in the passing game on Thursday.

Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (ankle) was activated from the IR heading into Sunday's divisional clash with the Chargers. The 21-year-old rookie made his only appearance of the 2024-25 campaign in Week 1 versus Seattle. Estime had only two carries for 14 yards in that one. He also injured his ankle, putting him on the shelf. With that in mind, Estime's fantasy potential is severely limited in Week 6, assuming he sheds his questionable designation, considering Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin are the top options out of the backfield. However, the Broncos offense has struggled this season, so anyone on that side of the ball is hard to trust.

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime (ankle) practiced in full all week but is questionable to play in Week 6 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Estime must be activated from Injured Reserve on Saturday if he is going to be active for just his second NFL game this weekend. The 21-year-old made his NFL debut in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and had two carries for 14 yards before hurting his ankle and being placed on IR. If the fifth-rounder out of Notre Dame does return, he'll merely be the third wheel in a lackluster offense behind Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, so he won't be on the fantasy radar at all. However, it doesn't mean that Estime can't eventually be a factor in this backfield in 2024, perhaps in a goal-line role as a power back up the middle. It's not as if Williams and McLaughlin have looked great through five weeks. For now, Estime is mainly a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper fantasy leagues.

Barring a setback, signs are pointing toward Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime (ankle) being activated from Injured Reserve for Sunday's Week 6 divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to a source. Estime missed the required four games while on IR and was designated to return on Wednesday. He was listed as a full practice participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday. This isn't exactly what Javonte Williams' fantasy managers want to hear, even though he should continue to be Denver's lead back this weekend. Both Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin had more room to work in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, but don't be surprised if the 21-year-old Estime carves out a small role once he gets up to speed. Estime is really only worth stashing in dynasty/keeper leagues for now.