Broncos projected 2022 rushing yardage leader: Javonte Williams
As a rookie, Javonte Williams rushed for 903 yards last season, but he did that while splitting carries with Melvin Gordon. The Broncos chose to re-sign Gordon recently and the team did not select a running back in the draft.
That suggests that there will be a split in the backfield again this year but Williams should get more work than he did last year. Gordon will be a good option to spell him but Williams will have the fresh legs and he is a more powerful downhill runner.
Last season, Gordon rushed for just 15 yards more than Williams but in 2022, it will be Williams who leads the team in that category and goes over 1,000 yards on the year.
Prediction: Williams gains 1,100 yards on the ground
Rushing touchdowns
There could certainly be a scenario where Gordon is used down near the goal line and ends up stealing some from Williams. Last season, Gordon rushed for eight touchdowns while Williams ended up with just four.
But I’ll go with Williams here as well as he just seems ready to have a breakout season and should be the team’s primary option more often than not.
Prediction: Williams rushes for 10 touchdowns