Broncos Rookie RB Faces Tough Challenge Against Bills in Wild-Card Game

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime faces a daunting challenge as his team prepares to take on the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs this Sunday. Estime, who has been part of a three-man running back committee alongside Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, is expected to see limited opportunities in a game where the Broncos are nearly 10-point underdogs.

Estime had a modest rookie season, averaging 4.1 yards per carry and just 5.8 rushing attempts per game over his first 13 NFL appearances. His most notable performance came in Week 18 against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he recorded 12 carries in a 38-0 blowout victory. However, much of his production came during garbage time, raising questions about his ability to contribute in high-stakes playoff scenarios.

“Audric has shown flashes of potential, but he’s still finding his footing in the NFL,” said Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. “Against a defense like Buffalo’s, we need to be strategic about how we use him.”

The Bills boast one of the league’s top defenses, ranking third in rushing yards allowed per game. This presents a significant hurdle for Estime, who has only scored twice this season. Fantasy football managers are advised to temper expectations, as his upside is limited by the shared workload in Denver’s backfield.

Despite the challenges, Estime remains optimistic. “I’m ready to step up whenever my number is called,” he said. “This is the playoffs, and I want to help my team win.”

The Broncos will need all hands on deck if they hope to pull off an upset against the Bills, who are favored to advance to the divisional round. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.