Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said he's confident in Williams' ability to handle a lead role out of the backfield Sunday in Kansas City while Melvin Gordon (hip) is listed as doubtful for the contest and not expected to play, George Stoia III of The Denver Gazette reports.
Williams and Gordon have had a near-even split of the backfield snaps and touches through the Broncos' first 11 games of the season, but Week 13 will likely mark the first time either of the two gets a look in a featured role. At least on a per-touch basis, Williams (4.9 yards per carry, 7.1 yards per reception) has provided reason for excitement, and the prospect of him handling his largest role of the season should make him an appealing lineup option in most weekly season-long leagues. He'll be taking aim at a Kansas City defense that has generally been friendly for running-back production, aside from allowing touchdowns. The Chiefs are permitting 4.38 yards per carry (22nd in NFL), 7.07 yards per target (28th) and an 84.5 percent catch rate (29th) to running backs this season.