Who Should I Start? Audric Estimé or Isaac Guerendo

Monday, November 18, 12:47 AM

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime was a hot waiver-wire pickup heading into Week 11 against the Atlanta Falcons after leading Denver's backfield in the Week 10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Estime took a back seat to Javonte Williams in the 38-6 win over the Falcons, carrying the ball six times for only 16 yards and catching all three of his targets for nine yards. Williams finished with 13 touches for 87 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. The 21-year-old fifth-rounder from Notre Dame saw most of his work in the second half with the game already in hand. While Estime did not serve as the lead back on Sunday, he'll most likely work in tandem with Williams as at least the RB2 for the Broncos ahead of Jaleel McLaughlin moving forward. That will give him some low-end RB3/flex appeal in Week 12 versus the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders.

Monday, October 28, 1:19 AM

San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo took over for Jordan Mason (shoulder) and performed well in a 30-24 Week 8 home victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. After Mason left in the first half, Guerendo took almost all of the backfield carries, finishing with 14 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown. The performance solidified Guerendo as a viable fantasy starter when given the chance. In two games this year with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) and Mason out, Guerendo has taken 24 carries for 184 yards and a touchdown with minimal backfield competition from the fourth-string Patrick Taylor Jr. However, Guerendo's fantasy value as a handcuff is likely to crash on the other side of a Week 9 bye as both Mason and McCaffrey could return for a Week 10 trip to Tampa Bay. For as good as Guerendo has looked, San Francisco's rushing game has strictly supported one running back in fantasy dating back to 2023.