Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Zach Charbonnet

Monday, September 9, 12:02 AM

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams had about the worst start his fantasy managers could have asked for in the 26-20 Week 1 loss at Lumen Field on Sunday to the Seattle Seahawks. Williams only saw eight carries for 23 yards (2.88 yards per carry) while catching one of his two targets for no gain in the passing game. In addition to his poor performance, Williams was out-touched 15 to eight by backup Jaleel McLaughlin and out-gained in total yardage 28 to 23. The Broncos offense wasn't moving the ball at all in rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix's NFL debut, and the Denver ground game was especially poor against a Seahawks defense that was very generous against the run in 2023. Williams should lead the Broncos backfield in touches on most weeks, but he faces another difficult matchup in Week 2 against the Steelers, where he should be considered an RB3/flex.

Sunday, September 8, 9:25 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet had a solid outing in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos. He finished the game with eight carries for 12 yards and two receptions for 29 yards and a touchdown. Charbonnet squarely played second fiddle to starting running back Kenneth Walker III (abdominal) until Walker went down with an injury. The Seahawks did not get going on offense until the second half. Charbonnet contributed to the Seahawks' barrage of scoring in the fourth quarter on a 30-yard reception where he was left wide open. Charbonnet's lack of contribution prior to Walker's injury demonstrates his entrenchment as the backup. However, if Walker were to miss any time, then Charbonnet would be a must-start.