“Young and hungry” is the theme for the 2024 Broncos. But how many players from Denver’s enthusiastic bunch are worth drafting in fantasy football?
Denver might not have anyone worth taking in the early rounds, but some players have the potential to be sleeper picks in your fantasy league. Here are five Broncos to consider during the fantasy football season.
QB Bo Nix
There’s plenty of optimism surrounding Denver’s rookie quarterback. Training camp and preseason showed that Nix has the chance to be an efficient quarterback who will keep mistakes at a minimum. And under head coach Sean Payton’s offense, the second-year coach will do his best to play to Nix’s strengths.
Even though there are other quarterbacks worth taking, the former Oregon signal-caller would be a good option if your QB1 is injured or on a bye week. And for dynasty owners, Nix would be a solid player to stash on your roster.
It never hurts to roster a quarterback who can make plays with his legs.
“When you watched him play, you didn’t feel like you were in harm’s way a lot. You felt like this guy was in the fairway quite a bit,” Payton said.
RB Javonte Williams
Williams is quicker, lighter and healthier than he was a year ago. He is two seasons removed from a torn ACL and dropped 11 pounds during the offseason.
Williams was inconsistent last season, especially toward the end, when he rushed for less than 50 yards in five of the last six games. But Payton believes Williams has a chance to return to his rookie form when he rushed for 903 yards and four touchdowns.
If that’s the case, Williams could be a valuable asset to your team. Payton is big on utilizing the run game. And if this group is better than last year, it’s because Williams is playing at a high level. Williams could be a low-risk, high-reward pick for anyone who drafts him.
RB Jaleel McLaughlin
Don’t sleep on McLaughlin. After McLaughlin recorded 570 total yards on offense (410 rushing and 160 receiving) as a rookie, he is set up for a breakout season this year.
Denver moved on from veteran running back Samaje Perine, setting up McLaughlin to have an expanded role on offense. He is super quick and has the versatility to be a contributor in the run and pass games. His 22-yard reception in the preseason win over the Colts was a small sample of the type of impact McLaughlin can have in his sophomore campaign.
Last season, Perine had 455 receiving yards as a reliable checkdown target for former Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson. McLaughlin has the chance to be the same for Nix.
If you are in a points-per-reception (PPR) league, McLaughlin is worth taking in the later rounds.
WR Courtland Sutton
Sutton finished tied for fourth in the league in touchdown receptions in 2023 with 10. However, he had 772 receiving yards and hasn’t recorded 100 yards in a single game since Week 2 of the 2022 season. He is clearly WR1, and there’s a chance Nix will rely on him heavily throughout the season.
Nix and Sutton’s on-field chemistry developed throughout training camp. Sutton is extra motivated going into the fall, as the veteran wideout is playing in what is essentially a contract year with no guaranteed money on the final year of his deal in 2025.
Sutton could be a decent late-round option. It wouldn’t be surprising if his receiving yards go up, and he can be used as a flex in your lineup.
TE Greg Dulcich
Dulcich is a wild card. He has played in only 12 games over the past two years due to hamstring injuries. However, he looked good during training camp, but more importantly, he’s healthy.
If that’s the case, the former UCLA player has a chance to put up significant numbers in 2024. He is a reliable target in the middle of the field and can generate yards after the catch. Dulcich’s injury history is very concerning. But all signs are pointing toward Dulcich showcasing his full potential this fall.
“If he has some space, you can just feel him eating up yardage as he turns and runs with the ball,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “(Dulcich is) a very explosive player (who) we’re excited about his health.”
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Originally Published: August 30, 2024 at 10:37 a.m.
