Javonte Williams

Javonte Williams looked like a shelf of his former self in the first season. Yes, I know this was his first season coming off a devastating knee injury, but it still wasn't pretty. Volume wasn't the issue for the RB31 last season, as he rolled up 264 touches, but his efficiency numbers were scary. Among 49 qualifying backs last season, he ranked 41st in missed tackles forced per attempt and 33rd in yards after contact per attempt. Williams also was 55th in fantasy points per opportunity and 53rd in yards per touch. Could he bounce back in 2024 and look more like the eventual stud we saw in 2021 and 2022? Sure, it's possible. Is it also possible that a back with a 40th percentile speed score and 72nd percentile burst score never regains his former juice? Yep. Williams looks entrenched as Denver's early down guy, but don't be surprised if Jaleel McLaughlin eats into his carries more this season and capsizes his pass-game usage. Williams is an RB2/3.

Javonte Williams will need to earn the starting role for the Broncos over 2024 fifth-round pick Audric Estime.

Fantasy Impact

Williams struggled in 2023 coming off of an ACL injury. He simply wasn’t the dynamic back we’ve seen over his first two years in the league. With the new coaching staff in town having drafted a running back of their own, his chances of seeing a workhorse role have lessened. Williams has the talent, but his physical capability to retain the starting role is very much in question. It’s a good but low time for fantasy managers, but it does come with some risk.