Javonte Williams's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams broke into the league in 2021 as an impressive tackle-breaking back with three-down potential and a bright future in Denver. Williams' fantasy stock has since tumbled, mainly because of devastating season-ending knee injury suffered in 2022. The 24-year-old didn't look the same in 2023, averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry in what was a below-average Denver offense led by quarterback Russell Wilson. However, Williams quietly played 16 games and finished with 774 yards and three touchdowns, adding a career-high 47 receptions for 228 yards and two more TDs. He heads into a Week 1 matchup in Seattle against a revamped Seahawks defense, although they did allow the second-most half-PPR points to RBs per game in 2023. As the clear lead back in Denver, expect the Broncos to lean heavily on Williams in Bo Nix's debut, putting him on the RB2/3 borderline in fantasy.

Denver Broncos running backs Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin each had three carries apiece for exactly 17 yards each in Sunday night's 27-2 victory over the visiting Green Bay Packers. Williams caught his only target for an impressive 15-yard gain, while McLaughlin caught his only target for only a four-yard pickup. Blake Watson led the backfield with six carries for 20 yards, while quarterback Jarrett Stidham had the team's only rushing touchdown, a nine-yard scamper into the end zone. Rookie Audric Estime had four carries for 14 yards and caught one of his two targets for seven yards. The 24-year-old Williams' fantasy stock is down heading into 2024 despite going over 1,000 scrimmage yards for a bad Broncos offense in 2203. He's another year removed from a devastating knee injury and is primed to be the Broncos' lead back in what could be an improved offense under rookie QB Bo Nix. If Williams can regain his explosiveness and tackle-breaking ways, he could be a great RB2/3 value pick at his current 107.1 Yahoo ADP in standard-scoring leagues.

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams made the start in Sunday's preseason opener at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday against the hosting Indianapolis Colts and finished with four carries for only 15 yards while catching one of his two targets for a five-yard gain. Despite reports earlier this summer that Williams was potentially battling for a roster spot in 2024, he's the team's clear lead back ahead of Jaleel McLaughlin (seven carries for 30 yards, two catches for 26 yards), Samaje Perine (no catches on one target) and rookie Audric Estime (10 carries for 31 yards and a touchdown, three catches for 13 yards). Based on Sunday's preseason usage, Estime should have the leg up over Perine, whose one target led to an interception for quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Williams underwhelmed in 2023 but was also coming off a season-ending knee injury in 2022. If Denver's offense can take a step forward under either Stidham or rookie Bo Nix, Williams could be a steal as an RB3/flex in fantasy if he's more explosive another year removed from his knee injury.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said that he wanted Javonte Williams to look more like he did during his final season at North Carolina with a goal weight of 220-to-221 pounds. Williams was praised by Payton for being in good shape and working on his condition. Following a 2023 season where Williams had looked a bit sluggish, the 24-year-old now competes to make the Broncos' roster as he's been the subject of rumors as a cut candidate. If Williams can hold off second-year pro Jaleel McLaughlin, rookie Audric Estime, and veteran Samaje Perine, Williams should maintain a lead role for the Broncos. Williams looks to improve his 3.6 yards per carry and with his ADP of 115.5, he's a value in the middle rounds of drafts to bounce back to the promise he had as a former second-round pick in 2021.

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams took first-team reps in every drill at training camp on Wednesday. Head coach Sean Payton praised Williams, saying he lost weight and is in good shape with noticeably different conditioning. After looking a step slow all year and averaging 3.6 yards per carry over 217 rushing attempts in his first season following ACL, LCL, and PLC ligament tears, Williams is off on the right foot at practice despite rumors circulating that he could be a cut candidate this offseason. Still only 24 years old, Williams will still need to hold off the speedy Jaleel McLaughlin, rookie Audric Estime, and veteran Samaje Perine for a featured role in Denver's crowded backfield. If Perine ends up being a cap casualty, however, Williams' ADP of 115.5 would start to come up. For now, he should continue to be treated as an RB3 option in a weak Broncos offense.