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Fantasy football daily notes: Denver Broncos declare RBBC, J.K. Dobbins off PUP

Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams each carried the ball 203 times in 2021, a trend that should continue into 2022. AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Read ESPN's fantasy football daily notes every weekday to stay caught up on the news you need to know and get a head start on the fantasy football content coming today and tomorrow to ESPN.com and the ESPN Fantasy App.

The news: Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon will split duties in the Denver Broncos' backfield, offensive coordinator Justin Outten said.

What it means in fantasy: The Broncos re-signed Gordon this offseason, so this shouldn't be a surprise. Despite Williams' potential, fantasy managers are drafting him at his ceiling -- he is RB12 in current live draft trends -- since he's shaping up to be more of an RB2. Gordon, on the other hand, is firmly on the flex radar. He's currently the RB38, which is the better value in fantasy.

Going deeper: Gordon ranks fourth among active running backs with 6,144 career rushing yards behind Mark Ingram II, Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry. He had more than 900 rushing yards in each of his first two years with the Broncos. This trend should continue for Gordon in 2022.


The news: The Ravens have activated J.K. Dobbins from the PUP list.

What it means in fantasy: This news has fantasy managers reminiscing fondly about Dobbins' 2020 season. You know the one before a torn ACL last August ruined his 2021 season? Dobbins worked his way up the depth chart to become the starter and lead all Ravens running backs with 805 yards on 134 carries with nine touchdowns. Dobbins is currently the RB21 in our draft trends. Gus Edwards, who is also recovering from a torn ACL, is doubtful for Week 1, which puts Dobbins in line for a massive opportunity share.


The news: Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is running routes from the slot in training camp and has also gotten reps with the 1s.

What it means in fantasy: Pacheco's performance during training camp has caught the attention of Kansas City coaches and reporters. It would be wise for fantasy managers to follow suit. Pacheco is currently the RB60 in our draft trends but has the potential to be the starting running back in one of the top offenses in the league. You should prioritize him in the late rounds of your draft.

Going deeper: Pacheco has been compared to Kareem Hunt, who averaged 20.3 touches and 18.4 fantasy points per game during his rookie season with Kansas City back in 2017.


The news: Treylon Burks has been working with the second- and third-string offenses

What it means in fantasy: Burks was selected in the first round of the draft, but that doesn't mean he won't experience ups and downs like many rookies. One thing fantasy managers should take away from this news is not to overlook Robert Woods, currently the WR48 in our draft trends.

Going deeper: Woods' season was derailed by a torn ACL in November of last year, but he was on pace for his third 1,000-yard season in four years. A.J. Brown and Julio Jones, who have since left the Titans, combined for 153 targets last season. Woods will play a significant role in Tennessee's offense.


Today on ESPN.com and in the ESPN Fantasy App

Matt Bowen identifies players who have the skills but just need an opportunity to become fantasy stars.

• Fantasy Focus podcast: Double Trouble with the Chiefs and Raiders.

    Coming Wednesday:

    • Fantasy Focus podcast: Double Trouble with the Broncos and Chargers.

    In case you missed it:

    • Fantasy Focus podcast: Sleepers, busts and breakouts.