Melvin Gordon Fantasy Outlook Soaring After Javonte Williams Injury

Updated: Sep 10, 5:00pm UTC

The Denver Broncos' backfield belongs to Melvin Gordon again.

Gordon's fantasy stock is on the rise following the injury suffered by fellow running back Javonte Williams in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Williams will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL and LCL, putting Gordon back in charge of Denver's backfield.

Melvin Gordon Fantasy Outlook

While this is devastating news for Williams' fantasy managers, his injury gives Gordon's fantasy value a significant boost. Williams and Gordon had been splitting backfield duties over the first four weeks, albeit with Williams getting considerably more touches. The 22-year-old second-year pro had both more carries (47-37) and receptions (16-8), making it clear which back was preferred in Nathaniel Hackett's new offense.

With the 29-year-old Gordon on pace for the fewest rushing yards of his career, he now gets another chance to prove he can be the lead back in Denver, as he was in 2020 and 2021. Gordon had been relegated to the bench in many fantasy leagues after his slow start, but Williams' absence elevates him to RB2/3 status as the No. 20 running back on The Duel's Week 5 PPR rankings.

Gordon's efficiency has declined (3.8 yards per carry) and he's never been a huge part of the Broncos' passing game, but increased volume gives him a higher floor moving forward. He should now be good for at least 15 carries a game after averaging just 9.25 through the first four weeks.
Gordon should also get a few more looks from Russell Wilson in the passing game as well. He'll need to do a better job with ball security, however, as he's already fumbled four times this year.

Gordon will get the chance to prove himself on Thursday Night Football this week when the Broncos host the Indianapolis Colts. With Denver favored by 3.5 points at home on FanDuel Sportsbook's NFL odds, Gordon will try to make the most of his expanded role.

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