Tag: Javonte Williams

5 things to watch for when Broncos face Chargers on ‘TNF’

Here are five storylines to watch for when the Broncos face the Chargers on ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 16.

The Denver Broncos (9-5) are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) on Thursday Night Football in Week 16. Here are five quick storylines to watch for going into Thursday’s game.

1. Broncos running back rotation: Jaleel McLaughlin has been the team’s best running back in recent weeks, but he was ruled out with a quad injury on Wednesday. That will leave Javonte Williams and rookie Audric Estime as the next men up, and Denver will likely elevate Blake Watson from the practice squad. We could see Marvin Mims mix in at running back as well, something he did leading up to the team’s bye week.

2. Denver’s cornerback depth: Riley Moss (knee) has been ruled out again, marking the third game he has missed. Fortunately, Pat Surtain (ankle) was able to practice this week and he was not given an injury designation for Thursday. Kris Abrams-Draine will likely start across from Surtain with Ja’Quan McMillian playing in the slot and Damarri Mathis getting rotational snaps like last week. When these teams met earlier this season, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert went 21-of-34 for 237 yards and a touchdown in a game that Surtain left with a concussion.

3. Broncos’ defense against Herbert and Co.: J.K. Dobbins rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos earlier this season, but he’s now on injured reserve. Denver pass rusher Nik Bonitto has scored a touchdown in each of the team’s last two games and he’s just one sack away from tying the NFL leader (Trey Hendrickson has 12.5 sacks). The Broncos, Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles have a three-way tie for the fewest points allowed per game (17.6), so Thursday night could be a defensive struggle.

4. Bo Nix bouncing back from three turnovers: Nix struggled against the Indianapolis Colts last week, throwing a career-high three interceptions. He had a bit of an in-game bounce back with three touchdown passes in a 31-13 win over Indy, but now Nix will have a fresh game to put those mistakes behind him. Nix will face an L.A. defense that allows the 10th-fewest passing yards per game (211.6), a unit that has totaled the seventh-most interceptions (14) and the eighth-most sacks (40) in the league this season.

5. Denver’s potential return to the postseason: The Broncos have already secured their first winning season since 2016. With one more win, Denver will clinch its first playoff berth since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.

Thursday’s game will be available to stream on Prime. The Broncos are one win away from clinching a spot in the 2024 NFL playoffs.

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5 takeaways from the Broncos 31-13 win over the Colts on Sunday

The Broncos got an important 31-13 win over the Colts on Sunday afternoon. Here are five quick takeaways from the victory.

The Denver Broncos improved to 9-5 on Sunday with a 31-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Here are five quick takeaways from the win.

1. The ground game continues to struggle: Before exiting the game with a quad injury, Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin rushed seven times for 21 yards. Javonte Williams was even worse, rushing six times for 15 yards. Denver quarterback Bo Nix ended up leading the team with 23 rushing yards despite losing two yards on kneel-downs to secure the win. The Broncos have to get more from their backfield down the stretch.

2. Injuries are piling up: The two most notable injuries for Denver are those to cornerbacks Pat Surtain (ankle) and Riley Moss (knee), but those aren’t the injuries to monitor this week. McLaughlin (quad) and defensive lineman D.J. Jones (finger) are also ailing, and guard Quinn Meinerz (shoulder) also left Sunday’s game before later returning. Playing on a short week, the Broncos’ medical staff will do its best to get the team’s banged-up players ready to go by Thursday.

3. Nik Bonitto for Defensive Player of the Year: Surtain has a case as well, but voters have demonstrated in the past that they love sacks. Bonitto now has 11.5 sacks on the year plus a 71-yard pick-six and a 50-yard fumble-six. Bonitto is now the first player to record at least 10 sacks and two defensive touchdowns in the same season since J.J. Watt in 2014. Watt won DPOY that season.

4. Bo Nix was resilient: The rookie certainly didn’t have a great game, throwing three interceptions. Nix, as usual, never hung his head. The quarterback bounced back and ended the day with three touchdown passes and four scoring drives. There will be plenty to learn from following Sunday’s game, but winning an ugly game is nothing to scoff at. Nix is working through his rookie growing pains and the QB is still trending in the right direction despite the turnovers against Indy.

5. The Broncos are legit: Denver has clinched its first winning season since 2016 and with a win against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, the Broncos can clinch a playoff berth in Week 16. Sean Payton has the club just one victory away from their first postseason appearance since Denver won Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season. With a play-making defense, the Broncos are the kind of team that could make some unexpected noise in the playoffs.

After facing the Chargers in Week 16, the Broncos will go on the road to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17 before closing out the regular season at home against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18.

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5 things to watch for when the Broncos host the Colts in Week 15

The Broncos are set to host the Colts on Sunday. Here are five things to watch for in Week 15.

The Denver Broncos (8-5) are set to host the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) in Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season in a game with massive playoff implications in the AFC. Ahead of Sunday’s showdown, here are five quick storylines to keep an eye on leading up to and during the game.

1. Denver’s cornerback rotation: Riley Moss (knee) seems unlikely to play this weekend and Levi Wallace was a disaster in his place in Week 13. Might the Broncos turn to rookie Kris Abrams-Draine this week? Josh Downs (shoulder) has returned to practice for the Colts and Indy’s offense also features Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell. Denver needs to get the cornerback rotation right against a talented group of Colts receivers.

2. Containing Colts QB Anthony Richardson: He’s had his share of struggles as a passer, but Richardson has a big arm and dangerous legs. The 22-year-old quarterback has rushed for 383 yards and four touchdowns through nine starts this season, picking up 28 first downs along the way. The Broncos have a brilliant group of pass rushers, but the unit will need to be careful to not get too far upfield and allow Richardson to get outside of the pocket and beat them around the edge.

3. Broncos’ rushing attack: Jaleel McLaughlin has been the team’s most productive running back in their last two games, but Denver will likely continue its committee approach against Indy. The Colts allow 147 rushing yards per game, second-most in the NFL. That’s good news for McLaughlin, Javonte Williams and rookie Audric Estime. Building an early lead and running over Indy’s defense could be a winning game plan on Sunday.

4. Denver’s defense vs. Jonathan Taylor: The Colts also have a productive rushing attack. With one of the NFL’s best rushing quarterbacks and an elite running back in Taylor, Indy has averaged 118.8 rushing yards per game this season. The Broncos’ defense, meanwhile, has allowed 94.7 rushing yards per contest. Denver’s defensive line against the Colts’ offensive line will be one of the most important matchups in Week 15.

5. Bo Nix coming out of the bye week: For the first time in his career, Nix is set to play an NFL game coming out of a bye week. He should be well-prepared as coach Sean Payton is 10-6 coming off a bye in his career, including a 24-22 win over the Buffalo Bills last season. Nix has totaled 3,148 all-purpose and 22 total touchdowns through his first 13 games in the NFL. This week, he’ll look to build on those totals against an Indy defense that has allowed the fourth-most yards (379.4) per game this season.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Playing at home, the Broncos are considered favorites against the Colts.

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Broncos have 21 players scheduled to become free agents in 2025

The Broncos’ list of players scheduled to become free agents in 2025 includes Garett Bolles, Javonte Williams and the both backup QBs.

The Denver Broncos have already given a four-year contract extension to outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper. Now attention turns toward the team’s 21 other players scheduled to become free agents in 2025.

The Broncos have 14 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in the spring, according to OverTheCap.com. Perhaps most notable among the team’s UFAs is left tackle Garett Bolles. The list of UFAs also includes running back Javonte Williams, defensive lineman D.J. Jones, linebacker Cody Barton and both backup quarterbacks: Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson.

Denver also has a pair of restricted free agents in offensive lineman Quinn Bailey and long snapper Mitchell Fraboni, plus five exclusive rights free agents, including cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. Here’s a quick list of the team’s 21 pending free agents, with the RFAs and ERFAs noted.

Broncos 2025 free agents

  1. OT Garett Bolles
  2. DL D.J. Jones
  3. QB Zach Wilson
  4. QB Jarrett Stidham
  5. LB Cody Barton
  6. CB Tremon Smith
  7. RB Javonte Williams
  8. P Riley Dixon
  9. LB Justin Strnad
  10. OL Matt Peart
  11. CB Levi Wallace
  12. LB Zach Cunningham
  13. FB Michael Burton
  14. WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
  15. OL Quinn Bailey (RFA)
  16. LS Mitchell Fraboni (RFA)
  17. TE Lucas Krull (ERFA)
  18. OLB Dondrea Tillman (ERFA)
  19. DB Devon Key (ERFA)
  20. DL Jordan Jackson (ERFA)
  21. CB Ja’Quan McMillian (ERFA)

The NFL’s 2025 negotiating period will run from March 10-12 ahead of the official start of NFL free agency on March 12.

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Jaleel McLaughlin heating up in Broncos’ backfield

Jaleel McLaughlin led the Broncos’ backfield in carries and rushing yards in the two games leading up to the team’s bye week.

It’s been the Jaleel McLaughlin show in the Denver Broncos‘ backfield over the last two weeks as the second-year back has led the team with 21 carries for 128 yards.

During that same period, Javonte Williams had 12 carries for negative one yard (that’s not a typo) and Audric Estime had six carries for 27 yards. Williams remains a key blocker and a capable receiver on third downs, but McLaughlin has been the team’s top runner over the last two games.

“He played well,” coach Sean Payton said after a 41-32 win over the Cleveland Browns. “We felt like some of the wide zone stuff and tosses were going to be good. He had a lot of good runs. Part of it was the scheme that was successful, or a couple of schemes we have seen other teams have success with that we had success with as well. All in all, it was good.”

McLaughlin has 97 touches for 414 yards and three touchdowns this season. He’s still trailing Williams on the year (162 touches for 705 yards and four scores), but McLaughlin has been trending up in recent weeks.

Fantasy football managers will see how the backfield rotation shakes out after the bye when the Broncos host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.

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5 takeaways from Broncos’ crazy 41-32 win over Browns

Pat Surtain should have followed Jerry Jeudy the whole game. More takeaways from the Broncos win over the Browns:

The Denver Broncos defeated the Cleveland Browns 41-32 in a crazy Monday Night Football game in Week 13. Here are five quick takeaways following the victory.

1. Jaleel McLaughlin remains the hot hand: Javonte Williams scored a touchdown on Monday, but he ended the day with just four carries for one yard. He now has 12 carries for -1 yard over the last two weeks. McLaughlin, meanwhile, led the team with 14 carries for 84 yards against Cleveland. Denver’s backfield rotation is hard to predict on a week-to-week basis, but McLaughlin is trending up going into the bye.

2. Pat Surtain should have followed Jerry Jeudy: Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph opted to not have PS2 follow Jeudy on Monday, which was a curious decision. With Riley Moss (knee) unavailable, Levi Wallace was repeatedly torched by the Browns. Jeudy finished the day with nine receptions for 235 yards with one touchdown, but on the 34 plays that Jeudy covered him, the receiver totaled just two receptions for 20 yards. PS2 finally started following Jeudy late in the game and it appeared that Joseph also benched Wallace in favor of rookie Kris Abrams-Draine late in the contest. Both decisions should have been made sooner.

3. Courtland Sutton remains Mr. Reliable: Sutton ended the day with six receptions for 102 yards and he now has 42 receptions for 569 yards and three touchdowns over the last six weeks. He remains Denver’s best receiver and a reliable target for rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

4. That was a classic Jameis Winston game: Winston torched the Broncos’ secondary for 497 passing yards and four touchdowns … and three interceptions. It was a quintessential Winston experience. That might sound like a Browns Wire takeaway, but it’s notable for Denver, too, because future opponents might not gift interceptions at that rate. The Broncos easily could have lost Monday’s game if not for a pair of pick-sixes. Fans in Denver will hope that Moss recovers during the bye and is able to return in Week 15.

5. Nik Bonitto is a strong DPOY candidate: Bonitto is the first Broncos defender since Von Miller to record double-digit sacks and a pick-six in the same season. That’s pretty good company.

Bonitto’s 11 sacks this season rank second in the NFL, only trailing Trey Hendrickson (11.5). He’s making a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year.

The Broncos will now go into their bye week with an 8-5 record. After the bye, Denver will host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.

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WATCH: Broncos RB Javonte Williams scores vs. Browns

Javonte Williams gives the Broncos a 7-0 lead over the Browns!

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams scored on a two-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of Monday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

Here’s video of the play, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter/X page:

The score was set up by quarterback Bo Nix’s 16-yard pass to wide receiver Devaughn Vele:

Following the score, the Broncos now lead the Browns 7-0 in Q1.

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5 takeaways from the Broncos’ 29-19 win over Raiders

The Broncos got a big win over the Raiders on Sunday. Here are five quick takeaways.

The Denver Broncos defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 29-19 on the road on Sunday, improving to 7-5 on the season. Here are five quick takeaways from Denver’s big win in the AFC West.

1. Good luck predicting the backfield rotation: Two weeks ago, it was the Audric Estime show. Last week, Javonte Williams led the way. On Sunday, Jaleel McLaughlin led the Broncos’ backfield with 44 rushing yards, although he did get one less carry than Williams. It’s truly a three-headed backfield. That might be frustrating for fantasy football managers, but it’s working for Denver’s offense.

2. Maxx Crosby was held without a sack: Mike McGlinchey had a few penalties early in the game, but overall, he did well against one of the AFC’s best pass rushers. Crosby ended the day without a sack, snapping a 10-game streak against the Broncos of recording at least one sack.

3. Zach Allen was missed: Denver’s defensive line — and the entire defense — missed Allen, who was sidelined with a heel injury. Before the game, Allen was spotted in a walking boot. The team’s Week 14 bye can’t arrive soon enough.

4. Courtland Sutton is on a tear: Over the last five games, Sutton has hauled in 36 receptions for 467 yards and three touchdowns. He’s on pace to post a career high in receptions (81) this fall with 1,054 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He has been Mr. Reliable for rookie QB Bo Nix.

5. Speaking of Bo Nix: He’s on pace to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Jayden Daniels has more total yards (3,169) than Nix (2,848), but Nix has more total touchdowns (21) than Daniels (17). Nix has been red-hot in recent weeks and if he keeps this up, accolades will follow at the end of the season.

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Broncos vs. Raiders: 5 things to watch for in Week 12

The Broncos will go on the road to face the Raiders in Week 12. Here are five things to watch for on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos (6-5) will go on the road to face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-8) in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s a quick list of five storylines to watch for leading up to the AFC West showdown.

1. Denver’s running back rotation: It appeared that Audric Estime might be taking over as the new RB1, but Javonte Williams quickly put that notion to rest by leading the backfield in touches last week. So, what will the backfield rotation look like going forward? It’s tough to predict — especially if the Broncos ride the hot hand — but it seems that Williams is still the lead back with Jaleel McLaughlin and Estime rotating in behind him.

2. Brock Bowers vs. Broncos’ defense: When Denver played the Raiders in Week 5, rookie tight end Brock Bowers totaled eight receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. Bowers has been a bright spot for a struggling Las Vegas squad in recent weeks, and he will be a tough test for the Broncos’ secondary. “You can see how they made it a point of emphasis to give him the ball in any spot and any position,” cornerback Pat Surtain said. “They even have him at ‘X’ [receiver] backside and at his tight end spot at the ‘Z.’ He is playing all positions, and they are utilizing him very well. It will be a good challenge for us.”

3. Maxx Crosby vs. Denver’s offensive line: The Broncos beat the Raiders 34-18 earlier this season, but Bowers and defensive lineman Maxx Crosby were both problems for Denver. Crosby ended the day with two sacks and he now has 15.5 sacks in 11 career games against the Broncos. “It’s important [to know where he is at],” quarterback Bo Nix said. “He’s a really good player. He played well last time we played him even though he was a little banged up. I’m sure he’s going to be fresh and ready to go this game. One thing about him is his motor never stops. He’s a hard-working player. He plays every snap really hard, and he tries to get in everyone’s head. That’s just the type of style he is and the player he is. He’s really good. One of the best in the league.”

4. Broncos QB Bo Nix chasing history: Denver’s quarterback has been setting multiple franchise rookie records this fall and he needs just one touchdown on Sunday to break the team’s rookie passing record of 14 (he’s currently tied with Marlin Briscoe). Going up against a Las Vegas defense that allows 327.8 yards and 28.5 points per game, Bo Nix might be poised to have another big performance in Week 12.

5. Denver’s seeking first-ever win in Las Vegas: Since moving to the desert in 2020, the Raiders are 4-0 against the Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. “I’m excited to go [there for] a road divisional game,” Nix said. “They’re always a lot of fun. I know it’s an important game. It’s going to be an awesome atmosphere. It’s going to be a fun game. They’re going to have a good team. They’re going to be ready to go. Playing them again, I think it’s going to be a good game. I’m excited for the opportunity we have. Any divisional games are always important.”

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on Fox (view the TV map). The Broncos are considered the favorite despite playing on the road.

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What should we make of the Broncos’ running back rotation?

Sorry, fantasy football managers: Broncos coach Sean Payton didn’t provide clarity on the running back rotation.

For several weeks leading up to Week 10, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton had hinted that rookie running back Audric Estime could get more involved on offense.

Estime then led the team in snaps (26), carries (14) and rushing yards (53) against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 10, and the hype went through the roof. Admittedly, Broncos Wire was at the forefront of the campaign to add Estime in fantasy football leagues. In hindsight, we might have overestimated Estime’s future workload.

Javonte Williams returned to leading the backfield against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11, rushing nine times for 59 yards and a touchdown. Estime got six carries for 16 yards and Jaleel McLaughlin rushed four times for 19 yards.

So, what should we expect from the team’s backfield rotation going forward?

“That’s the $6 million question,” Payton said after Wednesday’s practice. “It’s difficult. We know kind of what we have with those three players and it’s just — it’s always hard to feed three. I’m used to — and it’s easy — to feed two. So we kind of do that a little bit.

“I thought Javonte had some really good runs. Certainly, the game ends and we’re like, ‘Gosh, we’ve got to get Jaleel more touches.’ So it’s a tough, but a good problem to have.”

That answer from Payton won’t provide much clarity.

Payton clearly likes Estime, but the running back has not leapfrogged Williams on the depth chart. It might be difficult to predict the utilization of the team’s three backs on a week-to-week basis.

After the win against Atlanta, Payton said, “We’ll figure it out each week though and kind of plan accordingly.”

Unfortunately, that’s not a very helpful explanation for fantasy football managers. At the moment, though, Williams seems to be the RB1.

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