The Denver Broncos are one of the NFL’s most improved teams despite their slightly better record than in 2023. However, the team seems to be moving in a clear, positive direction, which can be attributed to the culture that head coach Sean Payton is implementing.
The Broncos have found their franchise quarterback in Bo Nix and they have a defense that has greatly overachieved this season. But there are obvious needs in terms of offensive weapons and that might start with the running game.
Former NFL running back and current analyst Maurice Jones-Drew recently put together a list of the teams with the most work to do at the running back position and he has the Broncos close to the top. The only team MJD put ahead of Denver is the Dallas Cowboys, who have next to nothing there and recently cut ties with Ezekiel Elliott.
Broncos have a lot of work to do at RB position
The Broncos have done the best that could be expected with what they have had to work with this season. They rank No. 17 in the league in rushing, averaging 109.4 yards per game on the ground. But the team could be much more effective in that department with a change of personnel.
Javonte Williams, who will be a free agent after the season, has struggled since the knee injury that ended his 2022 season. It would be a surprise to see him back.
Broncos 2024 rushing statistics
| Player | Carries | Yards | Avg. | TDs |
| Javonte Williams | 134 | 485 | 3.6 | 4 |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | 97 | 457 | 4.7 | 1 |
| Audric Estime | 64 | 276 | 4.3 | 1 |
| Tyler Badie | 11 | 86 | 7.8 | 0 |
| Blake Watson | 4 | 10 | 2.5 | 0 |
| Michael Burton | 6 | 5 | 0.8 | 1 |
Jaleel McLaughlin has shown flashes in his short time with the team but there are questions about him being a No. 1 running back due to his size.
The Broncos drafted Audric Estime in the fifth round of the draft and he shows signs of a promising future asset. The Broncos would do well to get him more involved.
Audric Estime with his first career TD!pic.twitter.com/qTDDKq0I8P
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) December 20, 2024
Outside of that, the only other running backs on the team are Tyler Badie, who has been out since Week 4 after suffering a scary injury and Blake Watson, an undrafted free agent.
Payton has always preferred a committee at the running back position but his New Orleans Saints teams were largely effective because he had a running back that could also be a huge difference maker in the passing game, such as Darren Sproles and Alvin Kamara.
This is the kind of player the Broncos need to look to add in the offseason to combine with McLaughlin and Estime.
MORE BRONCOS CONTENT
Denver Broncos predicted to sign massive addition from defending champions
Broncos first-round opponent is set in stone if they get into the playoffs
NFL Power Rankings: Broncos slipping on weekly list coincides with slip in playoff race
4 players Broncos must lean on more in Week 18 and the playoffs (if they make it)
Winners and losers from Broncos’ big letdown in Cincinnati
