Javonte Williams vs. Melvin Gordon: Gordon Sees More Playing Time in Week 5

The Denver Broncos’ backfield has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise struggling offense over the past two weeks. 

Rookie Javonte Williams and veteran Melvin Gordon have played in a pretty even committee so far this season, but Gordon saw an uptick in snaps last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

The Broncos were trailing big in the second half, and it appears Gordon was Vic Fangio’s preferred passing down back in a game in which Teddy Bridgewater threw the ball 38 times. 

Gordon and Williams both saw 11 touches in the loss, but Gordon out-snapped the rookie by a solid number. On the season, Gordon has played 54.49 percent of the snaps to Williams playing 44.58 percent. 

Even though Gordon played more in a negative game script in Week 5, Williams outplayed him, totaling more yardage, catches and a much higher yards per carry on his 11 touches. 

Melvin Gordon vs. Javonte Williams in Week 5

Carries

• Gordon: 9
• Williams: 8

Rushing Yards

• Gordon: 34 (3.8 yards per carry)
• Williams: 61 (7.6 yards per carry)

Catches

• Gordon: 2
• Williams: 3

Receiving Yards

• Gordon: 9
• Williams: 25

On the season, Gordon has seen one more target and just six more carries than Williams.

Although the snap counts are showing a discrepancy, Williams and Gordon are in about as close to a dead-even split as you could ask for. 

Fantasy owners and prop bettors are going to have to live with the fact that neither runner is going to see a full workload at the moment, but that could make for some value in props, considering both Gordon and Williams are averaging over 4.5 yards per carry this season. 

WynnBET has the Broncos as four-point favorites at home in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

WynnBET Promo: Bet $1, Win $100 if any NFL or college football team scores. Claim your offer now.