The Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills are gearing up for a pivotal Wild Card matchup, but both teams will enter the game with notable absences and strategic adjustments. Here’s a breakdown of the inactive players and what to expect from the game.
Broncos Inactives: Estime Sidelined, Badie Returns
Rookie running back Audric Estime is inactive for the Broncos in their Wild Card game against the Bills. Estime, who had a productive season with 76 carries for 310 yards and two touchdowns, has been a consistent piece of Denver’s three-man backfield committee. However, with the return of Tyler Badie, Estime’s role became expendable for this matchup.
Badie, sidelined since Week 4 due to a severe back injury, is finally healthy and will suit up for the first time in months. Before his injury, Badie appeared poised to take over as Denver’s lead running back. His return, combined with the presence of Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, bolsters Denver’s backfield, which has struggled to establish a true RB1 this season.
Fantasy managers should note Estime’s inactive status and adjust their lineups accordingly before kickoff.
Other Broncos inactives for Sunday’s game include:
- QB Zach Wilson
- RB Blake Watson
- LB Levelle Bailey
- G Nick Gargiulo
- DL Eyioma Uwazurike
Bills Inactives: Mostly Healthy Roster
The Buffalo Bills enter the Wild Card Round with minimal injury concerns, declaring only one player—CB Brandon Codrington—inactive due to an injury listed in the week’s reports.
Other Bills inactives include:
- CB Kaiir Elam
- QB Mike White
- S Kareem Jackson
- OL Ryan Van Demark
- DT DeWayne Carter
- WR Jalen Virgil
The Bills are nearly at full strength as they prepare to host the Broncos in what promises to be an exciting playoff clash. With their roster largely intact, Buffalo looks to capitalize on their home-field advantage and advance to the next round.
What to Watch For
- Broncos’ Backfield Dynamic: All eyes will be on Tyler Badie as he makes his return. Will Denver lean on him as their primary option, or will they continue to split carries among their active backs?
- Bills’ Full-Strength Attack: With most of their key players available, Buffalo’s offense will aim to exploit a Denver defense that has shown vulnerabilities throughout the season.
- Fantasy Implications: Managers should adjust lineups to reflect Estime’s absence and monitor Badie’s role, which could make him a valuable DFS option if he sees significant touches.
The Broncos-Bills matchup kicks off on Sunday as part of the second day of Wild Card Weekend. With both teams vying for playoff survival, expect a high-stakes showdown filled with strategic adjustments and standout performances.