Denver Broncos News

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram had a frustrating 2025 season, failing to live up to preseason expectations. Engram signed with the Broncos after three years in Jacksonville. He had been a top-five fantasy tight end in two of his three years with the Jaguars, and the one exception was his injury-shortened 2024 campaign. Fantasy managers had high hopes for Engram in Denver, where he could have played the "joker" role in Sean Payton's offense. Instead, he was held to just 4.75 targets per contest, and he finished the year with just one touchdown. These subpar stats resulted in Engram ranking as the overall TE29 in PPR leagues, which was the lowest single-season mark of his career (minimum 10 games played). It doesn't seem like this year was a fluke, either. Engram truly just struggled to get on the field, playing fewer than 50% of the offensive snaps in 13 of his 16 contests. Barring a major scheme change this offseason, we can expect a similar pattern for Engram in 2026. He's a risky redraft option in next summer's drafts. Meanwhile, dynasty managers might want to trade Engram while they still can, capitalizing on any name value he has left.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) put together another strong season in 2025, and he continues to trend upward despite entering the offseason with a broken ankle. In his second pro season, Nix threw for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also added 356 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. As a result, he finished as the overall QB7 for the second year in a row. The former first-round pick's production was a little inconsistent at times, as he certainly had some boom or bust games, but he played well enough to satisfy his fantasy managers and keep them in the hunt for the fantasy playoffs. He also kept his Broncos in the playoff hunt, locking up the No. 1 seed and taking down the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. However, Nix broke his ankle near the end of the Bills game, sidelining him for the Broncos' eventual loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. Nix should be fully recovered in time for the 2026 season, and his supporting cast will arguably be stronger than ever with Courtland Sutton returning and Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant both having another year under their belts. Plus, running back RJ Harvey is expected to take a major step forward, further improving the overall state of the offense. All signs point to Nix finishing as QB7 or higher again in 2026.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant finished his rookie campaign with fewer than 400 yards and only one touchdown, but based on glimpses he showed in two abbreviated playoff appearances, he could see a much larger role in 2026. Having the dubious distinction of exiting both games early with injury, it's difficult to project how much of the game plan would continue to revolve around him, but Bryant touched the ball five times on a total of 12 postseason snaps. The Broncos have been tied to the receiver position in what looks to be a strong incoming draft class, but the only pass catcher currently on the roster who clearly projects ahead of Bryant is 30-year-old Courtland Sutton. While Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. have both shown flashes at times in their young careers, Bryant seems the most likely to take the next step in 2026 and could be an important weapon for newly elevated offensive coordinator Davis Webb.

Running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) signed a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Denver Broncos late in the 2025 offseason, and through the first 10 weeks of the season, he looked like one of the best values of the year. Dobbins ran for 772 yards and four touchdowns before going down to a Lisfranc injury that ultimately ended his season. Once again set to hit the open market, Dobbins has recently indicated a preference to return to Denver. Should he sign another short-term deal with the Broncos, he would likely be given the inside track to starting duties over second-round pick RJ Harvey. While Harvey showed a knack for finding the end zone as a rookie, he could not come close to matching Dobbins' efficiency behind one of the premier offensive lines in the league, averaging 3.7 yards per carry to Dobbins' 5.0. Where Harvey truly excelled was in the passing game, and if Denver runs back the same pairing in 2026, it's difficult to envision another landing spot for Dobbins with more clearly defined roles or higher upside within what will likely be some form of committee.

Across 17 games as a rookie in 2025, Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey recorded 896 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns on 193 touches. The 25-year-old opened the season in a relatively limited RB2 role behind veteran Broncos back J.K. Dobbins. However, Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 10, opening the door for Harvey to take on more backfield work. From Week 11 onwards, Harvey recorded 507 yards from scrimmage and scored six touchdowns. Heading into 2026, Harvey looks well-positioned to take over as Denver's full-time lead back as Dobbins is set to hit free agency this spring. The Broncos could easily re-sign Dobbins or bring in a different veteran back to ease Harvey's workload. Still, the trajectory of Harvey's rookie season indicates he's a player on the rise, and his fantasy stock in dynasty formats should be trending upward after 2025.

Denver Broncos safety JL Skinner (shoulder) announced on his Instagram account that he underwent surgery to fix his labrum. Skinner played with an entirely torn labrum all season long and fought through the pain to play in all 17 regular-season games in his third year in the league with the Broncos. The 24-year-old defensive back also injured his quadriceps in the playoffs and was unable to play in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots. He was mostly a special-teamer for Denver this year and played only 34 defensive snaps over 17 regular-season games. Skinner finished the regular season with just 12 tackles (eight solo) and a fumble recovery.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin took a major step forward during his second season in the NFL. He appeared in all 17 games throughout the 2025 regular season, catching 65 passes for 709 yards and six touchdowns. Despite competing for volume with Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims Jr., and Evan Engram, Franklin managed to finish the year as the overall WR30 in full-PPR leagues. The Broncos aren't losing any key receivers in free agency, so Franklin won't face any less competition heading into next year. However, having another full season and offseason under his belt should allow him to elevate his game and push for a 1,000-yard season. He'll also benefit from playing another year alongside quarterback Bo Nix (ankle), who should be healthy by Week 1. Franklin is a top-36 receiver heading into 2026 fantasy football drafts.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler spoke to several people in the NFL who believe that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton will eventually relinquish offensive play-calling duties to new offensive coordinator Davis Webb. Webb, a former backup quarterback with the Buffalo Bills, has been a fast riser in the coaching ranks and had multiple head-coaching interviews this cycle. The decision will be up to Payton, but nothing has been decided for now. Payton has called plays at a high level for decades, but his decisions came under scrutiny in the AFC Championship game loss to the New England Patriots. Webb took over the OC job in Denver following the firing of Joe Lombardi. Handing over play-calling duties to Webb might be another way for the Broncos to hang onto the coveted coach beyond the 2026 campaign, and they could potentially be grooming him to take over head-coaching duties if Payton decides to retire down the road.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton posted another rock-solid season in 2025, recording 74 receptions for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns on 124 targets across 17 games played. His 2025 line is nearly identical to his 2024 production, when he hauled in 81 grabs for 1,081 yards and eight scores on 135 targets. While Sutton may not carry elite fantasy upside, he's established himself as the number one pass-catcher in an above-average Broncos' offense and has proven he can provide a consistent production floor. However, Sutton's long-term fantasy outlook may be dimming heading into 2026. For one, Sutton will be entering his age-31 season. Additionally, Denver has multiple wide receivers on rookie contracts in Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr., who are all candidates to take a step forward next year. Sutton will likely remain a safe wide receiver option for redraft leagues in 2026, but dynasty managers may be wise to anticipate the start of his decline phase.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (wrist) had a cleanup surgery on his wrist this week, multiple sources told Luca Evans of The Denver Post. Bonitto injured his wrist in the Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts after slamming the ground in frustration, and he played the rest of the year with a club on his right hand. The procedure was a simple clean-up and shouldn't affect his preparation for the 2026 campaign. The 26-year-old had surgery to remove a bone spur in his foot in the preseason, and he admittedly was beat up during the 2025 season. Bonitto still managed to play in every game in his fourth year in the league and made the Pro Bowl for the second straight season, recording 46 tackles (31 solo), a career-high 14 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 28 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 17 regular-season contests. The former second-round pick will enter the 2026 campaign as one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, with 17.5 sacks the last two years.

Denver Broncos passing-game coordinator Davis Webb reached an agreement with the team on Monday to become their offensive coordinator, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Webb interviewed for three head-coaching jobs and also had other offensive-coordinator opportunities this cycle, but he chose to stick around in Denver under head coach Sean Payton. He'll be taking over the OC job from Joe Lombardi, who was fired following the team's AFC Championship game loss to the New England Patriots. It's a promotion for Webb, a former backup QB in the NFL, although Payton will most likely continue to call plays for the Broncos' offense in 2026. The Broncos retaining Webb is excellent news for the entire offense, particularly quarterback Bo Nix (ankle).

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) said he will be back to training in four to six weeks after a quick surgery on a simple bone break in his right ankle that he suffered in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills, according to Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. The Broncos really missed Nix in their 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship. Nix won't end up missing any time in the offseason, though, so he should be fully healed in time for organized team activities this spring. In his second full season in the NFL, the 25-year-old Oregon product completed 63.4% of his pass attempts for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 starts. Nix led the league with 612 pass attempts and also seven game-winning drives. He added 356 rushing yards and five scores on 83 rushing attempts. Nix was the overall QB7 for fantasy managers and will be in play as a midrange QB1 target in 2026 as he heads into his third NFL season.

Denver Broncos passing-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb is receiving some serious interest around the NFL this cycle for not only head-coaching jobs, but also offensive-coordinator positions. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that after Webb interviewed this week for the Las Vegas Raiders' and Buffalo Bills' head-coaching jobs, he received interview requests for offensive-coordinator jobs with the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens. The former backup QB is a hot, rising name in the coaching ranks after the work he's done with Bo Nix in Denver. The Broncos appear intent on not letting Webb leave, though, after firing offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi on Tuesday. The expectation is that head coach Sean Payton will try to promote Davis to OC to keep his bright offensive mind around.

When asked if he wants to re-sign with the Denver Broncos in 2026, running back J.K. Dobbins said, "Yeah, I'm a Bronco... I wasn't drafted here, but I'm a Buckeye, and I'm a Bronco." Dobbins suffered a Lisfranc foot injury in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders that required surgery, and he never played again in 2025. The 27-year-old resumed practicing last week, though, and said he was "very close" to playing in the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots on Sunday. After the year Dobbins had before his foot injury, it wouldn't be a surprise if the two sides reached an agreement on a two- or three-year deal in free agency. He played for the Broncos on a one-year deal this season and was on his way to a career year before his injury, totaling 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 153 carries. Fantasy managers take on considerable injury risk with Dobbins, and if he stays in Denver, he'll be splitting the backfield with RJ Harvey.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant (hamstring) exited during the first half of Sunday's AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. He was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out. He finishes the game with one catch for two yards. It has been a rough two weeks for Bryant, who also left last week's game early due to a concussion. This time around, he reportedly injured his hamstring on the opening drive and initially tried to play through it before exiting the game. His absence leaves the Broncos short-staffed at wide receiver, as they're also without Troy Franklin (hamstring) on Sunday. Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Elijah Moore will continue to earn more snaps behind Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. The good news for the Broncos is that, if they advance to the Super Bowl, Bryant will have a full two weeks to recover.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant (hamstring) exited during the first half of Sunday's AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had one catch for two yards. Bryant, who cleared concussion protocol in time to play on Sunday, reportedly injured his hamstring on the opening drive and initially tried to play through it before exiting the game. His absence, even if temporary, leaves the Broncos short-staffed at wide receiver, as they're also without Troy Franklin (hamstring) for today's game. Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Elijah Moore should now earn snaps alongside Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) is officially inactive for the AFC Championship game on Sunday against the visiting New England Patriots, according to Mike Klis of 9 News. Franklin injured his hamstring early in the Divisional Round win against the Buffalo Bills and never returned. He was limited in practice all week, but the Broncos weren't comfortable making him active. Although Franklin saw his role decline late in the year, it's a notable loss for a Denver offense that is forced to start backup quarterback Jarrett Stidman against New England with Bo Nix (ankle) out for the rest of the season. The second-year wideout from Oregon was the Broncos' second leading receiver during the regular season with 65 catches, 709 yards, and six touchdowns on 104 targets. Marvin Mims Jr., rookie Pat Bryant, and Lil'Jordan Humphrey will need to step up behind Courtland Sutton against a solid Patriots defense on Sunday.

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram has continued to occupy a smaller role throughout the regular season and into the playoffs. As a result, he's difficult to trust ahead of Sunday's AFC Championship game. Engram finished the regular season with a modest 50 catches, 461 yards, and one touchdown, ranking as the TE29 in full-PPR leagues despite playing 16 games. He added just one reception for seven yards in the Broncos' playoff win last weekend. Moving forward, we expect Engram to remain in a similarly small and discouraging role against the New England Patriots, who allowed the 15th-most fantasy points to tight ends during the regular season. Denver prefers targeting its very talented receiver room, and we could also see the Broncos run the ball more with Bo Nix (ankle) out. The quarterback change is perhaps the biggest question mark surrounding Engram's outlook. Although he underperformed while catching passes from Nix, we can't exactly project how he'll play with Jarrett Stidham, who hasn't thrown a pass all year. As a result, we're continuing to temper our expectations. Engram is the overall TE6 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for this weekend.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) is expected to be sidelined for 12 weeks as he recovers from surgery on his broken ankle, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Nix suffered the injury during last week's Divisional Round win overthe Buffalo Bills and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs. The second-year signal-caller finished the regular season with a 63.4% completion rate, 3,931 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 356 yards and an additional five scores. Nix didn't take a very big leap during his second season in the league, but that was partly because he already had such an impressive rookie year. While he won't be available for the AFC Championship against the Patriots or the Super Bowl, should Denver qualify, Nix will be healthy and ready for training camp. In the meantime, Jarett Stidham will step up as the Broncos' starter.

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin should continue to be the primary change-of-pace back behind rookie RJ Harvey, with J.K. Dobbins remaining on Injured Reserve after a week of limited practices. In Denver's Divisional Round win over a Bills team that came into the playoffs with one of the worst run defenses in the league, McLaughlin was able to turn four carries into 21 yards. In the Conference Championship, he'll face a Patriots defense that has been dominant against the run since Milton Williams' return from an ankle injury that cost him five games. Through two playoff games, New England has allowed a total of 74 yards on designed runs, so if McLaughlin is to find any success on Sunday, it may need to come through screens and checkdowns, though that is a role that's been owned by Harvey for most of the year. McLaughlin is RotoBaller's RB7 for the week, but there is a world where he is entirely phased out of the game script.