Denver Broncos running backs Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon have been uninspiring fantasy football options through the first five weeks of the season. With a matchup against the Raiders on tap, how should fantasy managers approach this backfield heading into Week 6?
The Broncos have a favorable Week 6 matchup against the Raiders
Through five weeks, the Raiders have allowed the 13th-most fantasy points per game to running backs. More recently, they’ve been even worse than that.
Over the past two weeks, the Raiders have been torched on the ground by Austin Ekeler and the combination of Damien Williams and Khalil Herbert. Ekeler rushed for 117 yards against the Raiders in Week 4 while Williams/Herbert rushed for 139 yards in Week 5. 62% of the fantasy points the Raiders allow to running backs is via rushing.
Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon are in a true timeshare
Both Williams and Gordon have been fantasy-viable this season. Gordon is RB20 by PPR total points, while Williams is RB32. However, the disparity isn’t as great as it appears. The primary difference is the additional touchdown Gordon scored.
Gordon has played about 55% of Denver’s offensive snaps, while Williams has played 45%. Gordon has seen 73 opportunities (carries plus targets), while Williams has seen 66. On a week-to-week basis, the two backs should be valued nearly evenly.
Should you start either Javonte Williams or Melvin Gordon in Week 6?
If you roster either Williams or Gordon, you probably need to start them. Week 6 marks the beginning of bye weeks. We’ve also seen a wave of injuries sweep through the NFL. Additionally, this feels like a game where both backs could produce RB2 numbers.
Given their usage and production thus far, both their names frequently pop up in start/sit questions. If you’re in a league with shallow starting lineups, or if you have a loaded running back group, then by no means are Williams or Gordon must-starts. However, they are not players to avoid this week either.
Both Williams and Gordon can be productive
The Broncos are 4.5-point home favorites against the Raiders, which should keep them in neutral or positive game script throughout the game. When the Broncos are protecting fourth-quarter leads, they run the ball. They’ve rushed for 196 yards in the fourth quarter this season, the fifth-most in the league.
This game projects to be one where the Broncos can feed both of their talented running backs. There are enough touches to go around in this backfield for both Williams and Gordon to be viable RB2s in Week 6 fantasy lineups.
