Fantasy Football Player Notes

The running game was led by rookie Audric Estime, who carried the ball 9 times for 48 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He started the game for the Broncos with Jaleel McLaughlin inactive. Estime also led the backfield in first-half carries, going five for 30 yards (6.0 YPC) while also getting the nod in the red zone with two carries near the goal line.

According to Next Gen Stats, the Broncos recorded a season-high 76.9% rushing success rate in the first half. But in the second half, the Broncos generated a season-low 12.5% rushing success rate. The Broncos recorded all 3 of their explosive runs (10+ yards) in the first half, their fifth game this season without a run of 10+ yards in the second half.

Javonte Williams (52%) played significant snap percentages. Williams led the entire team and backfield with 11 targets (31% target share). Nix missed Williams on a walk-in TD catch out in the flat, which resulted in an eventual Vele touchdown reception.

Estime played 13 snaps (20%). It's very encouraging to see positive games from both Estime and Mims, but we have been down this road before with Broncos skill players.

The ROS schedule goes @ CIN and vs. KC.

You'd have to be very desperate to start any Bronco not-named Nix or Sutton even in a plus-matchup versus Cincy. The backfield projects that Estime will handle carries on early downs, but Williams will stay involved as a receiver. But it further gets complicated if we get Jaleel McLaughlin back in the fold for Week 17.

The Gus Bus played 46% of the snaps to Vidal's 32% snap rate. Edwards' total yardage came on one big run as he was sitting on 8 for 18 yards in the first half. He had a 43-yard rush in the fourth quarter. Without it, Edwards rushed 13 times for 25 yards. Pain for those who bet on the Edwards rushing prop under (me) last Thursday night.

Edwards has fewer than 37.5 rushing yards in five of his last six games and has 50-plus yards in just three games played this season.

Also, something to keep in mind: J.K. Dobbins could return in Week 17 against the Patriots (great matchup). They said on the SNF broadcast three weeks ago that he intends to return in Week 17.

According to the Athletic, Dobbins can get an additional $150K each if he reaches thresholds of 900 and 1,050 rushing yards. He was sitting at 766 rushing yards before injuring his knee and being placed on injured reserve.