Analysis

Williams had an extremely quiet Sunday against Kansas City, as the fourth-year running back took a clear back seat to rookie Audric Estime as a rusher. While Williams carried the ball only one time and played just 17 of the Broncos' 58 offensive snaps, Estime was relied upon heavily with 14 carries in the contest across his 26 snaps. It appears head coach Sean Payton's recent remarks about Estime taking on a bigger workload were more than just coach speak, so if he continues to pace the backfield in opportunities, Williams' days as a consistent fantasy contributor are likely in jeopardy. The 24-year-old will have his next opportunity to bounce back when the Broncos host the Falcons in Week 11.

Analysis

It was only the second time in the last six games that Williams failed to get at least 17 touches, but the fourth-year RB salvaged his day with a 34-yard reception that accounted for the longest gain of the contest for the Broncos. Williams has reached 80 scrimmage yards in four of those last six games, but he could have a hard time getting there in Week 10 against a stingy Kansas City run defense.

Analysis

While the 21 touches were a season high, it still was a disappointing showing for Williams against a Carolina defense that has been very generous on the ground this year. Jaleel McLaughlin wound up leading Denver with 47 yards on only eight totes, and he added a receiving TD as well, suggesting Williams' grip on the top job in the backfield may not be as secure as it seemed. Both backs will face a tough matchup Week 9 against the Ravens.

Analysis

Williams put together a season-best effort in the lopsided win, recording his first two touchdowns of the campaign on eight- and five-yard rushes in the second and third quarters, respectively. His rushing yardage total was also a season high, and he extended his streak of games with multiple receptions to six. After a nightmarish start to the season that saw Williams net 52 rushing yards on 24 carries over the first three games, the fourth-year back has bounced back to average 5.1 yards per carry over the subsequent four contests. Williams will have a golden opportunity to extend his productive stretch of play when the Broncos host the Panthers in a Week 8 matchup on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Analysis

Williams not only struggled to produce from a fantasy standpoint, he also coughed up Denver's only fumble in a one-score loss. The 24-year-old has been underwhelming as the Broncos' starter through six games this season, averaging 3.6 yards per carry with no trips to the end zone. Williams doesn't inspire confidence as a fantasy play heading into Thursday's matchup against a stingy Saints defense.

Analysis

Williams' longest gain on the ground went for 17 yards, but he gained at least four yards on seven of his 13 carries to turn in an efficient performance. He's shown flashes as a pass catcher in recent weeks, and that also continued Sunday as he ripped off long gains of 26 and 13 yards as a receiver. After a slow start to the campaign, Williams has at least 18 touches in three of five games, with this marking his first time surpassing 100 yards from scrimmage.

Analysis

It was mostly an encouraging game for Williams, though after running for just 21 yards in the first half it could have been markedly less productive if the game script had gone slightly differently. The Broncos' defense was unexpectedly effective, repeatedly buying the offense more time to lean on the run game and slowly wear down the Jets' run defense. The Jets spent a lot of time on the field, and by the second half, the run defense had begun to wilt, allowing both Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin (nine carries for 46 yards) to break loose as the game went on. If the Broncos' defense continues to thrive it, could allow Denver to lean on the run game similarly in upcoming weeks, supporting the notion Williams might see a sizeable workload against Las Vegas in Week 5.

Analysis

Williams' rushing line underscores how running room was at a premium despite the fact the Buccaneers' front was operating without Vita Vea (knee). He also fumbled at Tampa Bay's 35-yard line late in the first half, a play that was reversed after Williams was initially ruled down by contact. The turnover would go on to lead to the Bucs' only touchdown, and Williams recorded only three touches the rest of the game while Tyler Badie took on an expanded role with effectiveness (nine carries, 70 yards). It remains to be seen what the backfield pecking order will be for a Week 4 road matchup against the Jets, but Williams now has gained just 52 yards on 24 carries over his first three games.

Analysis

Williams operated as the clear lead back for Denver, but he found no room to run against the stout Steelers defense. He made up for that as a dump-off target for Bo Nix, with the highlights of his day coming on 14 and 13-yard receptions in the fourth quarter. Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin should both have substantial roles out of the backfield moving forward, though the offense's lack of effectiveness is likely to prevent big performances from either in the short term.