2023 saw Javonte Williams play in 16 of 17 games for the Denver Broncos. While he didn’t surpass the 1,000 yard mark rushing, he did have the volume that could carry him into being a viable fantasy starter.
Williams totaled 264 touches last season. Enough touches for him to make a significant impact for fantasy managers. Will his volume remain the same, or will he be a victim of a backfield traffic jam?
Javonte Williams 2023 Production
2023 saw Williams rack up a mediocre 774 yards, and 3 touchdowns, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. With the amount of attempts that Williams received in 2023 fantasy managers expected more. Only averaging 11.2 points per game, Williams finished ranked 33 in per game points for running backs on Sleeper in 2023.
Has the best of Javonte Williams been on display or does he have an extra gear yet to be seen? Through three season he has yet to break the 1,000 yard mark on the ground. The closest he’s come was his rookie season in which he finished the year with 903 rushing yards.
Committee Approach?
Whether it be Bo Nix, Zach Wilson, or Jarrett Stidham at quarterback, the position is a question mark. Could the Broncos use a committee approach at running back to try and find some ways to relieve pressure of their starting quarterback?
With a crowded running back room, Williams could see less touches than in years past. A back field already having Samaje Perine, and Jaleel Mclaughlin, both Perine, and McLaughlin were more efficient than Williams in 2023. Perine at 4.5 YPC, and McLaughlin at 5.4 YPC respectively.
Now add in 5th round running back Audric Estime and it doesn’t look like a great situation for Javonte Williams to shine. Not saying he doesn’t have the chance to shine, but there may not be as many opportunities as in years past.
Draft or Fade?
If you are at pick 92 and Javonte Williams is on the board and you want to pick a running back what do you do? Couple things can be done here.
First thing, would be to just draft him at his ADP and just hope he can out compete the rest of his back field running mates. He’s proven he can be a top 35 finisher at the position.
Second thing, you could just chose to fade Williams and draft a guy like Zack Moss (94.9), or Austin Ekeler (95.4).
Zack Moss was running the ball really well for Indianapolis last season while Jonathan Taylor was out with injury.
Austin Ekeler had 20 touchdowns in 2021, and 18 touchdowns in 2023. Injuries caused Ekeler to miss sometime last season, but when healthy he’s one of the most consistent PPR running backs available.
Final thoughts
I don’t think anyone can sit here and debate if Javonte is a talented running back. He obviously has the talent needed to succeed, and make fantasy managers happy. But drafting Javonte Williams may come down to one of two things.
If you believe Sean Payton can turn the offense into something formidable. Or if you think Javonte Williams can put a stanglehold on the touches out of the backfield.
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out—explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports, to stay informed.
