Can Melvin Gordon Be A Reliable RB For 2021 Fantasy?
Melvin Gordon will soon be entering his second season with the Denver Broncos. Gordon had a solid 2020 season despite the Broncos being an absolute “tire-fire.” With the addition of rookie running back Javonte Williams, can Melvin Gordon be consistently relied on for fantasy?
I’m going to be honest, I did not watch a lot of Denver’s games in 2020. However, after looking at Gordon’s stats, he had a really good season. Gordon rushed for 986 yards and nine touchdowns and added 32 receptions, 158 yards, and one touchdown through the air. He finished 2020 as the RB14 in PPR leagues.
The biggest and most obvious roadblock for Gordon’s production is the addition of Javonte Williams. Mark my words, this kid is going to be a stud in the NFL. The Broncos traded up to get Williams, and by early reports, the rookie has impressed and looks to be Denver’s opening starter. In most cases, another running back would not scare me as Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb are both productive, but Denver’s situation is a little different. Gordon is entering his seventh year as a pro while Williams has yet to play a snap in the NFL. The kid is fresh and is going to garner a high volume of rushing attempts and be super active in the passing game.
Although the quarterback play of Drew Lock has been atrocious, this Denver offense has a plethora of offensive talent with guys like Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and K.J. Hamler at receiver and a young stud tight end in Noah Fant. Combine that with the addition of Williams, and Gordon’s touches are going to decrease. Let’s not forget when Courtland Sutton was healthy in 2019 that the man had over 70 receptions and more than 1,000 yards.
If Gordon is going to have value in 2021, it is at the FLEX position. I think Gordon will get the bulk of the carries to start the season, but Javonte Williams will have a Jonathan Taylor type rookie season. Marlon Mack went down with an injury, which allowed Taylor to step in and become the featured back for Indy. While I don’t think Gordon will get hurt, Williams is going to get his chance, he is going to impress, and the starting position will be his in no time.
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