The Broncos’ Javonte Williams put together a solid Week 1 performance against the Raiders, his first taste of regular-season action since tearing his ACL and LCL in Week 4 of the 2022 campaign. However, backfield mate Samaje Perine saw a solid allotment of touches as well, so which of the two Denver backs should fantasy football managers roll with in Week 2 lineups?
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Start/Sit Optimizer to help you make the right decision!
Javonte Williams Fantasy Outlook This Week
Williams saw 17 touches out of the gate in Week 1, an impressive tally considering head coach Sean Payton had made reference to the third-year back having some sort of “time limit” for his first regular-season game in nearly a year.
One of the more encouraging aspects of Williams’ stint on the field was the fact those 17 opportunities came over just 28 snaps. It’s easy to imagine Payton envisioning Saints RB Alvin Kamara when he looks at Williams, who recorded 903 rushing yards and four touchdowns and turned 53 targets into a 43-316-3 line through the air during his 2021 rookie campaign.
Having come out of his first game without any setbacks or residual effects, Williams should be primed for an even bigger workload in Week 2 against the Commanders. Washington’s offense has some talented pieces but is led by an inexperienced quarterback in Sam Howell. Howell is still easing into the job of NFL starter after just two games under center and is therefore unlikely to prompt Denver to have to abandon a balanced attack.
Consequently, Williams is a strong candidate for 15 to 17 carries and perhaps four or five targets against a Washington defense that allowed a somewhat under-the-radar solid game to the Cardinals’ James Conner in Week 1 (14 carries, 62 yards, five receptions).
Samaje Perine Fantasy Outlook This Week
Perine put some good play on film himself in the opener, and in fact, he was more efficient on a per-touch basis than Williams. The veteran back garnered 41 rushing yards on his eight carries and also posted another 37 receiving yards on four catches.
However, there’s a legitimate question as to whether Perine’s workload will remain the same Sunday versus Washington. Williams, as noted above, should be equipped for a boost in workload in his second game. Meanwhile, despite his occasional bursts of success over his six previous campaigns, Perine is above all else a solid, veteran complementary back that can serve as an effective interim replacement when called upon.
That said, Perine doesn’t have Williams’ explosiveness and certainly has more wear on his tires. Considering the premium Payton places on speed and chunk plays, Williams should continue to serve as his clear No. 1 backfield option, while Perine gives him the occasional breather and works some third downs due to his solid pass-catching prowess.
Which of the Broncos’ Running Backs Should You Start?
Given what’s just been detailed about each back’s expected Week 2 roles and abilities, Williams should be the starter in fantasy lineups this week.
MORE: PFN Consensus Rankings
The North Carolina alum can certainly do plenty with what should be his touch range Sunday. The better he plays and the more confidence he generates in his surgically repaired knee, the likelier Perine sees at least a slight hit to his touches.