Who Should I Start? Audric Estime or DJ Giddens

Friday, May 30, 5:30 PM

On Thursday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that running back Audric Estime will garner increased opportunities in his second season with the team. "He's a back that requires enough touches," said Payton. "He's going to get those opportunities." The former fifth-round rookie was undoubtedly lacking in opportunities in 2024 -- placing fourth on the team in carries and rushing yards behind backfield mates Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin and quarterback Bo Nix. Estime was a productive player in his final season at Notre Dame, finishing with 1,341 yards and 18 rushing scores in 12 games. However, Denver's recent selection of RJ Harvey in the second round adds formidable competition in the backfield. Harvey is slotted in first on the team's unofficial depth chart, ahead of Estime for now. The latter projects to be more of a traditional short-yardage back due to his larger stature, but Harvey is also a force between the tackles and profiles as a better pass-catcher despite poor pass-protection skills.

Thursday, June 5, 2:27 PM

Indianapolis Colts rookie running back DJ Giddens will likely have the opportunity to win the RB2 job, and he could earn a weekly role on offense if he proves capable in the pass-blocking and pass-catching game, according to team reporter Jake Arthur. "Giddens may carve out some sort of role regardless of what's going on ahead of him with Jonathan Taylor and/or Khalil Herbert," Arthur wrote. "The Colts really like Giddens." The Kansas State product was the No. 151 overall pick (fifth-round) in the 2025 NFL Draft after posting 2,469 rushing yards, 581 receiving yards, and 21 total touchdowns over his final two collegiate seasons. He'll be competing with Herbert and Tyler Goodson to earn a spot behind Jonathan Taylor. For now, he's a late-round handcuff stash in deeper fantasy football leagues, but he's worth monitoring early in his first professional campaign.