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Wil Lutz  • K  •  Broncos

Wil Lutz Keeps Perfect Streak Alive In Loss To Chargers

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz had a serviceable day for fantasy managers in the Week 16 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football and also kept his made-kick streak alive. Since having the potential game-winning field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs blocked in Week 10, Lutz has gone 11-for-11 on field goals and 19-for-19 on extra points in a span of five games. He made both of his field-goal attempts (long of 55 yards) and all three of his extra-point opportunities in the 34-27 loss to the Bolts on Thursday night to give his fantasy managers a solid 11 points in most scoring formats. The 30-year-old veteran has been one of the most accurate kickers in the league (90.6%) and is getting plenty of opportunities in what has become a capable offense under rookie QB Bo Nix. Lutz will be a must-start in a good matchup in Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Yesterday   
Michael Burton  • FB  •  Broncos

Michael Burton Scores Second Touchdown Of The Year On Thursday

Denver Broncos fullback Michael Burton got into the action in the 34-27 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium on a short touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Bo Nix in the second quarter. Burton is not a big part of Denver's offense, but he caught one of Nix's two touchdown passes on the evening for his second touchdown in the last three games. He also fell into the end zone on a goal-line carry in the Week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns. The 32-year-old veteran has mostly served a blocking role for Denver's struggling ground game this year, but he'll occasionally get a touch or two. On the year as a whole through 15 games, Burton has only six rushing attempts for five yards and a touchdown while adding 10 catches on 10 targets for 65 yards and another score. He should continue to be ignored for fantasy purposes.
Yesterday   
Devaughn Vele  • WR  •  Broncos

Devaughn Vele Finds End Zone, Does Little Else Against Chargers

Denver Broncos rookie seventh-round wide receiver Devaughn Vele found the end zone for just the second time in his NFL career in Thursday night's loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16, but he didn't contribute much else. Vele was targeted only three times on the night and caught two passes for 21 yards and an easy six-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. The 27-year-old built steam in Weeks 10-12, catching 14 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown, but in three games since then, he has only three catches on eight targets for 37 yards and one score. Although the Broncos' passing game will be set up nicely against a porous Cincinnati Bengals defense in Week 17 as they look to clinch a playoff spot, Vele will still be a hard-to-trust WR4/5 in deeper fantasy leagues with limited upside as Nix continues to spread the ball around outside out WR1 Courtland Sutton.
Yesterday   
Courtland Sutton  • WR  •  Broncos

Courtland Sutton Goes For Five Catches In Week 16 Loss

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a modest performance in the team's 34-27 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Thursday night in Week 16, catching five of his six targets for 50 yards. In a rare occurrence this year, Sutton didn't lead the team in targets or receiving yards. However, he was still one of rookie quarterback Bo Nix's favorite targets, as his six looks were second on the team behind running back Javonte Williams. The 29-year-old had a six-game streak of at least six receptions and 70 yards snapped in last week's win over the Colts, and his six targets on Thursday were his fewest since a zero-target game in Week 8 against the Saints. Sutton saved his fantasy day with a touchdown in Week 15, but he was unable to do so on Thursday night. Fantasy managers still playing for something in Week 17 will want Sutton in their lineups in a great matchup against Cincy.
Yesterday   
Marvin Mims Jr.  • WR  •  Broncos

Marvin Mims Jr. Leads Broncos In Receiving Yards In Week 16

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. caught three of his five targets on the night for a team-high 62 receiving yards in the 34-27 Thursday night loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Week 16. Mims averaged a healthy 20.7 yards per catch thanks to a nifty 53-yard reception in which he found the edge and scampered down the sideline while almost making it all the way to the end zone before a defender forced him out of bounds. His five targets ranked third on the team on a night in which rookie quarterback Bo Nix found 10 different receivers through the air. The Broncos have certainly involved the 22-year-old second-year wideout more in the second half before of his big-play abilities with the ball in his hands. Mims basically has to hit on a big play with limited opportunities each week to pay off as a boom/bust WR4/5 in deeper fantasy leagues.
Yesterday   
Javonte Williams  • RB  •  Broncos

Javonte Williams Catches Team-High Seven Passes In Loss To Bolts

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams certainly had a bigger role in the offense with Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) out in the Thursday night loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, but not in the way that many would have predicted. Williams took a back seat to rookie Audric Estime on the ground in the 34-27 loss with only four carries for 24 yards (6.0 yards per tote), but he surprisingly led the team in targets (11), securing a team-high and season-high seven catches for 29 yards through the air. Rookie QB Bo Nix was content to check it down most of the night, with Williams benefitting. The 24-year-old came into Thursday's game with a disappointing 3.5 yard-per-carry average on the ground, although he was much more efficient on limited touches against LA. It's unlikely he'll be this involved in the passing game again, but if McLaughlin misses another game, Williams will have RB3/flex appeal in a plus matchup against Cincinnati in Week 17.
Yesterday   
Audric Estime  • RB  •  Broncos

Audric Estime Leads Denver's Backfield, Scores First Touchdown

With Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) out for the Week 16 contest on Thursday night against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, rookie Audric Estime was Denver's lead rusher in the 34-27 loss. Estime had team-highs in carries (nine) and rushing yards (48) while finding the end zone for the first time in his NFL career. He was not targeted in the passing game. The nine carries were the second-most that the 21-year-old fifth-rounder has seen in his first year in the NFL, and he averaged a healthy 5.3 yards per carry. The Broncos certainly have high hopes for Estime in the long term, but how big of a role he'll have in a strong matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals' porous defense in Week 17 will probably all come down to the health of McLaughlin. The fact that Estime hasn't really been utilized in the running game would also make him no better than an RB3/flex if McLaughlin misses another game.
Yesterday   
Bo Nix  • QB  •  Broncos

Bo Nix Puts Up Good Numbers In Thursday Night Loss

Despite the Denver Broncos' Week 16 Thursday night loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, rookie quarterback Bo Nix had a solid showing for his fantasy managers by going 29-for-40 for 263 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Nix was sacked twice for a loss of 18 yards and ran the ball three times for 25 yards in the 34-27 defeat. He fumbled once, but the Broncos were able to recover. Most importantly, the first-rounder out of Oregon avoided turnovers after tossing five interceptions the last two games. The 24-year-old looked really good in the first half against a strong defense, with both of his touchdown passes coming in the first two quarters, but he struggled in the second half and the vaunted Denver D was unable to hold a two-score lead. Nix has 250-plus passing yards in four of his last five games and will have clear QB1 upside in a great matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals next week.
Yesterday   
Wil Lutz  • K  •  Broncos

Wil Lutz A Low-End Fantasy Starter Against Chargers

Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz has been money for fantasy managers in 2024, but he'll have a little less upside in a Week 16 divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night. In the Week 6 loss to the Bolts, Lutz made his only field-goal attempt and just one extra point. Lutz will have less upside this week because the Chargers defense is tied for first with Denver for fewest points allowed per game (17.6), meaning points could be hard to come by on the road on a short week late in the season. However, the Chargers have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing kickers in the last five weeks. Despite the less-than-ideal matchup, the 30-year-old has a high enough floor to put him in the top-10 at his position. Lutz has made 90% of his 30 field-goal attempts this year and is a perfect 9-for-9 on FGs and 16-for-16 on extra points in the last four games.
3 days ago   
Marvin Mims Jr.  • WR  •  Broncos

Marvin Mims Jr. Can't Be Trusted In Fantasy Lineups

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. shouldn't be in starting fantasy lineups when the Broncos take on the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 on Thursday Night Football. Mims caught three passes for a season-high 105 yards in the Week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns thanks to a 93-yard touchdown reception. He followed that up by catching all four of his targets but for just 20 yards in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 22-year-old second-year wideout has big-play potential anytime he touches the football, but Denver has mostly been utilizing him on shorter pass plays, limiting his fantasy upside. Outside of his 100-yard game recently, Mims doesn't have more than four receptions or 49 yards in any of his 14 games in 2024. In the Week 6 loss to the Chargers, he didn't catch any of his three targets. Mims has no business being started by fantasy managers in the semifinals in most leagues.
3 days ago   
Devaughn Vele  • WR  •  Broncos

Devaughn Vele Looking To Get Back On The Stat Sheet In Week 16

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele was starting to slowly become Denver's No. 2 wideout behind Courtland Sutton with 14 receptions on 18 targets for 185 yards and a touchdown in Weeks 10-12, but in two games since then, he's completely disappeared. In wins over the Browns and Colts in Weeks 13 and 15, Vele has disappeared, catching one of five targets for 16 yards. The seventh-round pass-catcher has a bright future if he remains paired with quarterback Bo Nix for years to come in Denver, but the last two games were a reminder that it's hard to trust anyone not named Sutton in this offense. In Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, Vele won't come recommended as a flex play for fantasy managers in the playoffs. Vele had four catches on six targets for 78 yards against the Bolts in the Week 6 loss. That might be his ceiling on Thursday evening.
3 days ago   
Courtland Sutton  • WR  •  Broncos

Continue To Roll With Courtland Sutton In Week 16

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has been the WR12 with an average of 15.2 half-PPR points in the last five weeks thanks to 24 receptions on 36 targets for 309 yards and three touchdowns. Because of how often rookie QB Bo Nix targets Sutton -- his 113 targets on the year rank ninth among receivers -- he's become a must-start in fantasy lineups after the Broncos offense started the year off sluggish. He'll be facing a Los Angeles Chargers defense on Thursday night in Week 16 that has allowed the fifth-most half-PPR points per game to opposing pass-catchers in the last five weeks, including a league-high eight touchdowns allowed to receivers. In the first meeting with the Bolts on Oct. 13, Sutton caught four of six targets for 53 yards and a touchdown. Sutton has a pretty safe fantasy floor at this point and is on the WR1/2 borderline this week.
3 days ago   
Audric Estime  • RB  •  Broncos

Audric Estime Set For Bigger Role, Still Can't Be Trusted Against Chargers

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime will inevitably see the field more in Week 16 on Thursday Night Football against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers with Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) ruled out. But will it be enough of a role to make him flex-worthy for fantasy managers in semifinal matchups in most leagues? Probably not. Estime and Javonte Williams will most likely split the backfield touches pretty evenly, and Denver's rushing game has been a weak point of the offense all year long. Meanwhile, the Chargers defense has only allowed five total touchdowns to RBs all year and the sixth-fewest half-PPR points per game. The 21-year-old Estime is still searching for his first NFL touchdown while averaging 4.4 yards per carry on 46 attempts through 10 games. Estime should stay on benches in what is expected to be a low-scoring Thursday night contest.
3 days ago   
Javonte Williams  • RB  •  Broncos

Javonte Williams Will See More Opportunities In Week 16

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams could very well lead Denver's backfield in the Week 16 divisional game on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 after Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) being ruled out. However, Williams could be splitting touches pretty evenly with rookie Audric Estime, and the matchup is not a friendly one on a short week. On top of it, the 24-year-old has done very little all year for fantasy managers to give him the benefit of the doubt. His ineffectiveness (career-low 3.5 yards per carry) led the Broncos to go with more of a committee backfield that had favored McLaughlin in recent weeks. The Chargers defense isn't afraid to give up yards to opposing ground games, but they've allowed the sixth-fewest half-PPR points to RBs, including only five total TDs. If Denver is going to have success in this matchup, it's more likely to come via Bo Nix's arm.
3 days ago   
Bo Nix  • QB  •  Broncos

Bo Nix A Shaky QB1 Option In Divisional Tilt On The Road

It's probably tempting for fantasy managers to start Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix in Week 16 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers after Tampa QB Baker Mayfield lit them up for four touchdowns in a blowout win last week. However, you may want to think twice. Nix has exceeded expectations in his first year with the Broncos and is the QB10 in overall fantasy points despite a slow start in 2024. But the 12th overall pick out of Oregon has thrown four touchdowns and five interceptions in the last two games while completing only 55.88% of his passes for 424 yards. The Chargers defense has been middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to QBs on the year, but they are also tied with Denver for the fewest points allowed per game (17.6). On paper, this divisional battle figures to be a low-scoring affair, potentially limiting Nix's fantasy upside. He went 19-for-33 for 216 yards, two touchdowns and a pick in the Week 6 loss to LA.
3 days ago   
Pat Surtain II  • CB  •  Broncos

Patrick Surtain II Off The Injury Report, Will Play Thursday

Denver Broncos defensive back Patrick Surtain II (ankle) is off the injury report and is good to go for Thursday's divisional tilt against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 24-year-old suffered a minor ankle injury during last weekend's victory over the Indianapolis Colts. This week, Surtain was able to participate in full, which is a great sign for his status for the remainder of the season. During last weekend's victory, Surtain tallied his fourth interception of the season. In total, the former first-round selection has logged 11 pass deflections and 32 tackles (24 solo) through 13 games. Surtain should be viewed as a high-end defensive back option on Thursday evening in all IDP formats.
3 days ago   
Jaleel McLaughlin  • RB  •  Broncos

Jaleel McLaughlin Ruled Out For Thursday

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. McLaughlin opened the week as a non-participate but was able to upgrade to a limited participant on Tuesday. However, he was downgraded on Thursday and will set his sights on returning in Week 17 to face the Cincinnati Bengals. The 24-year-old left last weekend's game early with this injury. Before departing, McLaughlin tallied 21 yards on seven attempts. McLaughlin has struggled to find consistent attempts in the offense but has flashed some upside when given work, as he has averaged 5.3 yards per carry over his past four games. With McLaughlin ruled out, fantasy managers should expect Javonte Williams to see a majority of the opportunities out of the backfield.
3 days ago   
Jaleel McLaughlin  • RB  •  Broncos

Jaleel McLaughlin Misses Monday's Practice

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) did not suit up for practice on Monday. It's worth noting that this was an estimated practice report, so fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it. McLaughlin was forced to exit early during Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. That being said, McLaughlin appears to be in danger of sitting out Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. If that happens, Javonte Williams and Audric Estime would see more snaps in the backfield. Between the two, Williams is the more appealing fantasy option. Williams has struggled recently, but had some decent performances earlier in the season.
5 days ago   
Wil Lutz  • K  •  Broncos

Wil Lutz Makes Only One Field Goal, Keeps Perfect Streak Alive

Although it wasn't the best fantasy day for Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz in the 31-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Week 15, he did extend his streak of perfection to four straight games. Lutz nailed his lone field-goal attempt on the day from 44 yards out and was also successful on all four of his extra-point opportunities to send the Broncos to 9-5. The 30-year-old veteran has made 90 percent of his 30 field-goal tries in 14 games in his second year in Denver, with two of his three misses on the year being a blocked kick and a try from over 60 yards out. Lutz has been money in the bank, and with Denver's offense picking things up under rookie quarterback Bo Nix in the second half of the season, Lutz has become a top-10 fantasy kicker. Heading into a Thursday divisional showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers, he should once again be considered a top-10 option at the position.
5 days ago   
Marvin Mims Jr.  • WR  •  Broncos

Marvin Mims Jr. Has 20 Yards In Win Over Colts

None of the Denver Broncos wide receivers were able to do much in the Week 15 win over the Indianapolis Colt on Sunday with rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggling and throwing for only 130 yards on the day. Marvin Mims Jr. caught all four of his targets but had only 20 receiving yards. He also had one carry that went for no gain. The disappointing performance comes on the heels of the 22-year-old's three-catch, 105-yard, one-touchdown performance in the Week 13 win over the Browns. Mims' big day before the bye week came thanks to a 93-yard touchdown strike against Cleveland. The Broncos have made it a point to get Mims involved in the second half of the season, but it's been only minimal involvement. Outside of his 100-yard game in Week 13, Mims hasn't cleared 50 yards or four receptions, making him a desperation flex option for fantasy managers in deep leagues.
5 days ago   
LEGEND
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