Denver Broncos 2026 Overview

Schedule

Wins

Play Calling

Key Additions

• WR Jaylen Waddle
• RB Jonah Coleman
• TE Justin Joly

Key Departures

• None

Notable Coaching Changes

• OC Joe Lombardi Out
• OC Davis Webb In

Bo Nix

QB11 Was Built on 612 Attempts

Five Top-12 Weeks Tell the Story

Nix started all 17 games for Denver last year. He averaged:

• 231.2 passing yards
• 1.5 passing TDs
• 20.9 rushing yards
• 0.3 rushing TDs

Nix finished 11th among QBs in fantasy points per game and 11th in expected fantasy points per game. He posted five top-12 weekly finishes.

Nix Thrived on Passing and Rushing Volume

Denver leaned heavily on Nix in his second NFL season. His 612 pass attempts led the league, while his 680 dropbacks and 719 passing snaps also ranked first among QBs.

Nix added important fantasy value with his legs. He tied for fifth among QBs with 83 carries and 5 rushing TDs. He also ranked 11th in rushing yards and eighth in scramble yards.

The Broncos ranked third in plays per game and ninth in pass rate, giving Nix one of the NFL’s best fantasy environments from a volume perspective.

The Volume Hid a Real Step Back

Nix’s efficiency profile remains the biggest concern in his fantasy outlook.

Among 42 QBs with 300+ dropbacks, he ranked:

• 26th in completion rate
• 32nd in yards per attempt
• 30th in completion rate over expected
• 29th in passer rating

Nix’s 6.4 yards per attempt ranked dead last among qualified starters.

There were still a few encouraging signs beneath the surface: Nix ranked 15th in PFF passing grade and 12th in big-time throw rate while Broncos pass catchers dropped 37 passes, second-most in the league.

Nix also kept excelling at avoiding sacks. His 3.76% sack rate through two seasons ranks 11th-lowest all-time among QBs with 500+ career pass attempts.

The YPA was ugly, but these markers say he can rebound. That keeps top-10 QB weeks on the table.

Quick Throws Kept the Volume Alive

Sean Payton’s offense continued trending more pass-heavy in 2025.

Denver ranked ninth in pass rate and 10th in pass rate over expected. The Broncos also played fast, finishing third in plays per game and 13th in pace.

The offense still lacked explosive efficiency, though. Denver ranked 25th in yards per pass attempt and just 13th in passing TDs per game.

That offense leaned on quick throws and underneath concepts, leaving Nix just 25th among qualified QBs in average depth of target.

A Fractured Right Ankle Creates 2026 Risk

Nix enters 2026 with injury concern.

On the second-to-last play of the Broncos’ playoff game against the Bills, Nix fractured his right ankle. He had surgery in January as well as a cleanup procedure in April. 

He should be ready for the season, but the injury could limit his availability early in training camp.

Better Weapons, Same QB1 Path

Jaylen Waddle Raises the Weekly Ceiling

Courtland Sutton returns to the Broncos as an outside WR. Sutton remains Nix’s top target after another productive season. Sutton caught 74 balls for 1,017 yards and 7 TDs on 125 targets last year. He ranked 11th among WRs in targets and 12th in receiving yards.

The Broncos also traded a first-round pick and a third-round pick to acquire Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins.

Waddle gives Denver another playmaker after finishing 2025 with 64 catches, 910 yards, 6 TDs, and the 12th-best PFF receiving grade among WRs.

They also return young WR depth in Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims, and Pat Bryant.

TE Evan Engram gives Nix a reliable underneath option after drawing 77 targets last year, ranking first among TEs in separation, and finishing fifth in catches.

The Broncos re-signed J.K. Dobbins ($8 million a year) and drafted Jonah Coleman in Round 4 to go with RJ Harvey in the backfield. 

Denver targeted RBs on 20.3% of pass attempts last year, the fourth-highest rate in the league. Harvey ranked eighth among RBs in catches and receiving yards.

Sean Payton Keeps Tilting Pass-First

Payton has gradually shifted the Broncos toward a faster, pass-leaning offense over the last three seasons:

Even with Dobbins healthy through the first 10 weeks, Denver still leaned pass:

• 57.2% pass rate
• 57.6% neutral pass rate
• +4.0% pass rate over expected

Payton’s history suggests Denver could continue trending further toward the pass and a faster pace in 2026.

Jaylen Waddle Is the Ceiling Lever

Nix already checks one of fantasy's biggest boxes with elite passing volume. That likely drove most of his production in 2025, when he finished QB7 in total points but QB12 in points per game. Still, there's a little room for growth in 2026.

Sean Payton's offense has played faster and thrown more in each of his seasons as Broncos HC, a trend that could still add to Nix's output.

The team’s heavy investment in Waddle also points toward an offense focused on the passing game.

If Nix gets even a modest efficiency bump from Waddle while holding onto his passing volume and rushing production, he could crack the top 10 in fantasy points per game.

Dobbins Shrinks the Volume Edge

Nix’s rushing production and consistency over his first two seasons make him a pretty safe pick after QB9 and QB11 finishes in points per game. 

The addition of Waddle signals a likely continued high pass rate, though they were slightly more balanced when J.K. Dobbins was healthy:

Dobbins’ health and new contract make it unlikely Nix leads the league in pass attempts again this season, trimming some of that volume.

Nix’s ankle is the biggest question to monitor, though. He appears on track to start the year, but a slow start could drag down his season-long numbers. 

Those risk factors are relatively minor, and Nix still looks like a high-floor QB1 who should land close to his first two seasons' finishes.

RJ Harvey

RB13 Without Dobbins; RB32 With Him

RB20 on the Year, Volatile Weekly

Harvey played all 17 games as a rookie, totaling 540 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs, 47 catches, 356 receiving yards, and 5 receiving TDs.

He finished:

• 20th among RBs in total PPR points
• 24th in PPR points per game
• 28th in expected points per game

Harvey posted seven top-12 weeks and eight top-24 finishes, but he also fell outside the top 36 six times. The final line looked solid, but the weekly ride was boom or bust.

Dobbins' Injury Changed Everything

Harvey’s season changed dramatically after Dobbins went down.

In 10 games with Dobbins, Harvey played a limited role, averaging:

• 5.0 carries
• 2.9 targets
• 10.0 PPR points per game (RB32) 

He was RB49 in expected points per game over that stretch.

In seven games without Dobbins, Harvey’s role grew into legitimate fantasy-starter territory. He averaged: 

• 13.7 carries
• 4.1 targets
• 15.2 PPR points per game (RB13)

He was RB5 in expected points per game without Dobbins.

That split defines Harvey’s 2025. He was a bench player with Dobbins healthy and a high-end RB2 when Dobbins was out.

The Rushing Profile Is the Problem

Harvey’s receiving profile was much better than his rushing profile last year.

Among 51 RBs with 90+ carries, Harvey ranked:

• 42nd in yards per carry
• 48th in rush yards over expected per attempt
• 43rd in yards after contact per attempt
• 34th in missed tackles forced per attempt
• 46th in PFF rushing grade

That’s a concerning rushing profile. Harvey averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and finished with minus-91 rushing yards over expected.

Harvey looked much better in the passing game. Among 40 RBs with 30+ targets, he ranked: 

• 15th in PFF receiving grade
• 12th in yards per route run
• sixth in targets per route run

He also tied for third among RBs with 5 receiving TDs, though his 3.1 expected receiving TDs suggest some scoring regression.

Denver Fed RB Targets, Not Carries

Denver gave Harvey a strong receiving environment, targeting RBs on 20.3% of pass attempts, the fourth-highest rate in the league, while ranking third in plays per game.

The rushing environment was less exciting. Denver ranked just 19th in rush rate (41.2) and 20th in rushing attempts per game (26.4). The Broncos certainly leaned pass-heavy, with their pass rate climbing to 58.2% under Sean Payton last year.

That setup helps explain Harvey’s output: useful receiving volume but inconsistent rushing production.

Crowded Backfield Causes Split

$8 Million Guaranteed Says Dobbins Leads

Harvey looks set to remain Denver’s passing-down back and change-of-pace option after the Broncos brought back Dobbins.

Dobbins' two-year, $16 million deal with $8 million guaranteed makes it clear Harvey isn't taking the lead role. He's competing with Dobbins for touches instead.

Dobbins was clearly the better runner last year. Through Week 10, he averaged 15.3 carries per game and ranked RB23 in PPR points per game. He also beat Harvey in carries inside the 5-yard line, 7-3, before getting hurt.

The rushing-efficiency gap was significant. Dobbins ranked 18th among 51 qualifying RBs in yards per carry, fourth in rushing yards over expected per attempt, 15th in yards after contact per attempt, 12th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 18th in PFF rushing grade. Harvey trailed him in every category.

The Broncos also added fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman, who could work his way into snaps as well.

Bo Nix Keeps the RB Targets Coming

Nix returns as the starting QB. His 25th-ranked average depth of target, paired with one of the league’s highest RB target rates, helps Denver’s backs in the passing game -- though Harvey’s better positioned than Dobbins to capitalize.

The offense also added pass-catching talent, acquiring Jaylen Waddle to join WR Courtland Sutton and TE Evan Engram. That mix could help sustain drives and produce scoring chances, even if it also adds target competition for Harvey.

Sean Payton Built a Friendly PPR Environment

Sean Payton has consistently built fantasy-friendly offenses throughout his coaching career, including in Denver.

Payton has shifted the Broncos toward a faster, more pass-leaning offense over the last three seasons:

Even with J.K. Dobbins healthy through the first 10 weeks, Denver still leaned pass-heavy:

• 57.2% pass rate
• 57.6% neutral pass rate
• +4.0% pass rate over expected

Payton’s history suggests Denver could continue trending further toward the pass and a faster pace in 2026.

Harvey’s Ceiling Still Has a Dobbins Problem

Dobbins and Coleman crowd the backfield, limiting opportunity upside and lowering Harvey’s ceiling.

We already saw Harvey’s limited upside with Dobbins healthy, as he averaged:

• 5.0 carries
• 2.9 targets
• 10.0 PPR points per game (RB32)  

The Broncos likely wouldn’t have brought Dobbins back on a two-year, $16 million contract if they planned on Harvey taking over the backfield.

In a committee, Harvey’s best path to increased upside is dominating passing-down and goal-line receiving work. He tied for third among RBs with 5 receiving TDs, and Denver averaged 4.1 RB targets per game after Dobbins went down.

The ceiling is a PPR RB2 with spike-week potential, but hitting that without injuries in front of him seems unlikely.  

Bad Rush Metrics, Worse Path to Volume

Harvey’s rushing inefficiency, even after the Dobbins injury, shows real risks this season.

He ranked near the bottom among qualifying RBs in yards per carry, rush yards over expected per attempt, yards after contact per attempt, and PFF rushing grade. That makes it hard to argue he deserves to take work from Dobbins.

Not only did the Broncos bring Dobbins back, but they also drafted Jonah Coleman in the fourth round.

That isn’t the action of a team that expects Harvey to take over this season. He may simply not have the role to make a fantasy impact most weeks.

J.K. Dobbins

2025 Role & Results

Steady Player, Just Don’t Expect Ceiling Weeks

Dobbins played 10 games for Denver last year, rushing 153 times for 772 yards and 4 TDs. He added just 11 catches for 37 scoreless receiving yards. He finished:

• RB23 in PPR points per game
• RB31 in expected PPG

Dobbins had no top-12 fantasy finishes. But he was a usable fantasy starter in more than half of his games, finishing as a top-24 RB six times. He also finished outside the top 24 four times and outside the top 36 once.

That made Dobbins more steady than exciting. He didn’t deliver many difference-making weeks, but he usually stayed in the RB2/flex range.

Lead Rusher Until Injury

Dobbins worked as Denver’s lead runner through Week 10. He averaged 15.3 carries per game over that stretch, compared with just 5.0 carries per game for RJ Harvey in games they played together.

He also controlled goal-line work before getting hurt, handling seven carries inside the 5-yard line through Week 10 to Harvey’s three.

Dobbins ceded the receiving work to Harvey, averaging just 1.4 targets per game. Harvey drew 2.9 per game with Dobbins active. 

Dobbins ranked RB23 in PPR points per game through Week 10 but just RB31 in expected points per game, so the workload made him relevant without making him a locked-in fantasy starter.

Efficiency Is the Hook for Dobbins

Dobbins’ rushing efficiency was excellent.

Among 51 RBs with 90+ carries, he ranked:

• 18th in yards per carry
• fourth in rush yards over expected per attempt
• 15th in yards after contact per attempt
• 12th in missed tackles forced per attempt
• 18th in PFF rushing grade

That efficiency kept Dobbins in the early-down role. He averaged 5.0 yards per carry, produced 161 rush yards over expected, and ranked ninth among RBs in total rush yards over expected despite playing only 10 games.

His rushing profile also looks much better than Harvey’s. Harvey ranked 42nd in yards per carry, 48th in RYOE per attempt, 43rd in yards after contact per attempt, and 46th in PFF rushing grade among the same group of qualifiers.

The receiving profile was the opposite. Among 105 qualifying backs, Dobbins ranked 96th in yards per route run and 97th in PFF pass-route grade while catching just 11 passes for 3.4 yards per reception.

So the split is clear: Dobbins was Denver’s best runner, while Harvey was the better passing-game back.

Was Play and Pass Volume Good for All?

Denver’s offense gave Dobbins a mixed setup.

The Broncos played fast, ranking third in plays per game. That helped create enough total volume for two RBs to have roles. But Denver leaned pass, ranking ninth in pass rate and  ranked just 19th in rush rate (41.2) and 20th in rushing attempts per game (26.4).

That environment is better for Harvey’s receiving role than Dobbins’ rushing role. Denver targeted RBs at the fourth-highest rate in the league, but Dobbins captured very little of that work.

Dobbins made this offense work through efficiency and goal-line usage, but the scheme still makes it hard for him to pile up PPR points without more receiving work.

Durability Is a Real Question

Dobbins played only 10 games last year because a Lisfranc (foot) injury ended his season.

The Broncos did activate Dobbins’ 21-day practice window on Jan. 19, but he did not play in the AFC Championship game.

Dobbins has missed 54 games over his five-year career, all due to knee, foot, and ankle issues.

The Broncos don't appear overly concerned. They gave Dobbins $8 million guaranteed to return, and he's expected to be healthy for training camp and the season.

2026 Opportunity & Projection

Lead Back Again

Dobbins should open 2026 as Denver’s lead runner if healthy but will likely cede the change of pace and receiving role to Harvey.

Last year’s usage strongly suggests Dobbins will remain the lead runner. He handled 15.3 carries per game through Week 10, led Harvey in carries inside the 5-yard line, and crushed Harvey in nearly every rushing-efficiency metric.

This still doesn’t project as a workhorse role. Harvey already averaged 2.9 targets per game with Dobbins active, and he proved capable of handling a much larger role when Dobbins missed time.

The Broncos also added fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman, who could work his way into snaps.

Bo Nix Checks Down

QB Bo Nix ranked just 25th among qualifiers in average depth of target, and Denver targeted RBs at the league’s fourth-highest rate. That helps Denver’s backs in the passing game, with Harvey better positioned than Dobbins to cash in.

The offense also added Jaylen Waddle to WR Courtland Sutton and TE Evan Engram giving Denver solid options at every level. 

Sean Payton Keeps Up the Pace

Payton has consistently built fantasy-friendly offenses throughout his coaching career, including in Denver.

Payton has shifted the Broncos toward a faster, pass-leaning offense over the last three seasons:

Even with Dobbins healthy through the first 10 weeks, Denver still leaned pass-heavy:

• 57.2% pass rate
• 57.6% neutral pass rate
• +4.0% pass rate over expected

Payton’s history suggests Denver could continue trending further toward the pass and a faster pace in 2026.

Low Ceiling, Steady Production

Dobbins has a pretty low ceiling this season. He should be the lead runner for the Broncos backfield, but will split snaps with RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman. If he maintains his early down and goal-line role, that can provide enough for Dobbins to keep his RB2 status, even without strong receiving production.

Dobbins averaged 15.3 carries per game, led Harvey in carries inside the 5-yard line, and backed it up with strong rushing efficiency. His two-year, $16 million contract also points to Denver keeping him in that lead early-down role.

Dobbins’ RB23 performance in PPR points per game outperformed his RB31 rank in expected points per game. He ranked fourth among RBs in rushing yards over expected per attempt as well, signaling that Dobbins played legitimately well. But producing above expectation leaves room for 2026 regression.

Even if Dobbins maintains last year's role, there's not much upside thanks to his crowded backfield.

Injury and Crowded Backfield Remain Biggest Risks

Dobbins’ risk lies in his lack of receiving and expanded committee.

He caught just 11 passes for 37 yards and no TDs last year. His receiving profile was poor by every measure, including 0.32 yards per route run (96th among RBs) and a 46.6 PFF receiving grade (97th).

Harvey gives Denver a clear passing-down alternative after ranking eighth among RBs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Among 40 RBs with 30+ targets, he also ranked 12th in yards per route run and sixth in targets per route run.

Coleman profiles as a between-the-tackles runner in the Dobbins mold. If he shows enough to earn snaps, they’ll likely come at Dobbins’ expense more than Harvey’s.

Durability remains a risk after Dobbins missed seven games last year with a Lisfranc injury. He has missed 54 games over his five-year career, all due to knee, foot, or ankle issues. The Broncos signaled confidence with his contract, but the injury history still puts him at elevated risk.

Courtland Sutton

2025 Role & Results

1,000 Yards Again But Few Spikes

Sutton caught 74 balls on 125 targets for 1,017 yards and 7 TDs across 17 games last year, finishing WR10 in total PPR points and WR22 in PPR points per game.

He delivered four top-12 weekly finishes and nine top-24 finishes. He only had three weeks outside the top 36.

Share Declined, But He Stayed the No. 1

Sutton’s 19.6% target share led the team in 2025. That marked a slight decrease from 2024, but stayed in line with Payton’s offenses in Denver:

• 2023: 18.5% 
• 2024: 23.3%
• 2025: 19.6%

The offense’s pace and pass volume helped keep Sutton’s targets per game close to his 2024 rate:

• 2023: 5.6 
• 2024: 7.8
• 2025: 7.1 

Denver used Sutton primarily as a downfield boundary receiver. His 13.3-yard average depth of target ranked 15th among 76 qualifying WRs, while his 35.6% air-yards share ranked ninth.

Sutton rarely left the field, registering a 94.4% route rate and 629 total routes, third-most among WRs.

He also remained one of the league’s most active contested-catch receivers, hauling in 17 contested catches on 32 contested targets. Both marks ranked top-8 among WRs.

Mediocre Metrics Overshadow WR2 Season

Sutton’s fantasy production almost perfectly matched expectation last season. He finished WR22 in both PPR points per game and expected points per game.

After an outlier 2023, Sutton’s TD rate has settled much closer to expectation the past two seasons:

• 2023: 16.9% actual TD rate vs. 11.9% expected 
• 2024: 9.9% actual vs. 12.0% expected
• 2025: 9.5% actual vs. 9.9% expected

The efficiency metrics were solid but unspectacular. Sutton ranked:

• 30th in PFF receiving grade
• 35th in yards per route run
• 34th in targets per route run

He also continued to struggle creating separation. Sutton ranked 72nd in separation score and 62nd in yards after catch per reception.

Third in Pace, First in Pass Attempts

Denver supported fantasy passing production last year. The Broncos ranked:

• Third in plays per game
• Ninth in pass rate
• 10th in pass rate over expected
• 13th in passing yards per game

QB Bo Nix attempted a league-high 612 passes and finished eighth in passing yards.

That volume helped Sutton top 1,000 yards as the lead receiver in the league's highest-volume passing offense.

2026 Opportunity & Projection

Waddle Could Pass Him

Sutton should remain Denver’s top perimeter WR and primary downfield target in 2026, but he’ll face stiffer target competition in 2026. 

The Broncos traded first- and third-round picks to acquire Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins. Waddle gives the offense another explosive playmaker. He finished 2025 with 64 catches, 910 yards, and 6 TDs while ranking 12th among WRs in PFF receiving grade.

Waddle figures to command significant volume after posting a 22.9% target share and ranking top-16 among WRs in both yards per route run and targets per route run last year.

They also return young WR depth in Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims, and Pat Bryant.

Evan Engram projects for a meaningful underneath role after seeing 77 targets in 16 games last season.

Sutton looks likely to cede the No. 1 WR role to Waddle, which would make another 120+ targets tougher to reach.

Solid QB, Strong Passing Volume Help

QB Bo Nix finished last season:

• 12th among QBs in fantasy points per game
• First in pass attempts
• Eighth in passing yards
• Ninth in passing TDs

The efficiency still needs work. Nix ranked 32nd in yards per attempt and 30th in completion percentage over expected.

But Denver’s pass volume and pace should still create weekly target opportunities here.

Pass Rate Keeps Climbing

Sean Payton has consistently built fantasy-friendly offenses throughout his coaching career, including in Denver.

Payton has shifted the Broncos toward a faster, more pass-leaning over the last three seasons:

Even with Dobbins healthy through the first 10 weeks, Denver still leaned pass-heavy:

• 57.2% pass rate
• 57.6% neutral pass rate
• +4.0% pass rate over expected

Payton’s history suggests Denver could continue trending further toward the pass and a faster pace in 2026.

2025 May Have Been the Ceiling

We likely saw Sutton near his ceiling last year at WR22 in PPR points per game. To get back there, he probably needs to stay ahead of Waddle as Denver’s No. 1 WR and repeat something close to his top-12 finish in targets, receiving yards, and TDs. 

Target-Share Decrease Probable

Sutton’s target share peaked in 2024:

• 2023: 18.5% 
• 2024: 23.3%
• 2025: 19.6%

Now, Denver has a significantly better pass catcher opposite Sutton than it did a year ago in Waddle. He could see his targets, receiving yards, and TDs decline with Waddle siphoning production.   

That target share is at risk of declining further, which could push Sutton into low-end WR3 territory.

Jaylen Waddle

2025 Role & Results

Three WR1 Weeks, Seven Outside the Top 36

Waddle caught 64 balls on 100 targets for 910 yards and 6 TDs across 16 games last year (Waddle missed most of Week 17 with a rib injury sustained in the second quarter against the Buccaneers). Through Week 16 last year, he finished:

• WR23 in total PPR points
• WR28 in PPR points per game
• WR25 in expected ppg

He posted three top-12 weekly finishes and seven top-24 finishes. But Waddle also finished outside the top 36 seven times.

That made him a useful but inconsistent fantasy starter.

20% Target Share in Four of Five Seasons

Waddle drew a 22.9% target share through Week 16 last season. In 11 full games without Tyreek Hill, that climbed to 24.5%.

He worked downfield often, with his 13.2-yard average depth of target ranking 18th among 76 qualifying WRs. Waddle’s 38.7% air-yards share ranked fourth.

Waddle has commanded solid target shares throughout his career, reaching 20+% in four of five seasons:

• 2021: 23.6% (14th)
• 2022: 20.0% (32nd)
• 2023: 22.0% (24th)
• 2024: 15.4% (55th)
• 2025: 21.6% (21st)

Sharing an offense with Tyreek Hill since 2022 helped keep those shares from climbing higher.

Waddle also played a full-time role in 2025, registering a 93.9% route rate. He lined up wide on 76.5% of his snaps and in the slot 23.0% of the time, giving Denver flexibility in how to deploy him.

Waddle Plays like a Superstar

Waddle’s fantasy production undersold the quality of his 2025 play.

Among 76 WRs with 50+ targets, he ranked:

• 14th in yards per route run
• 16th in targets per route run
• 12th in PFF receiving grade

Those marks also lined up with most of his career. The table below reveals 2024 as the outlier, which makes sense given that Waddle dealt with a late-season knee injury and lost QB Tua Tagovailoa for six games:

That history matters on a new team that clearly paid to feature him.

Waddle ranked well ahead of new teammate Courtland Sutton in the these metrics last year. Sutton finished 30th in PFF receiving grade, 35th in yards per route run, and 34th in targets per route run.

Waddle’s TD production ran close to expectation last year. He posted a 9.4% TD rate vs. an 8.6% expected rate. That followed a 2024 season in which he underachieved badly, scoring on just 3.4% of targets vs. an 8.1% expected rate.

First in Attempts, 25th in Yards per Attempt

Denver’s offense presents strong passing volume.

The Broncos ranked third in plays per game, ninth in pass rate, and 10th in pass rate over expected last season. QB Bo Nix led the league with 612 pass attempts.

That volume made up for lags in efficiency. Denver ranked 25th in yards per pass attempt, while Nix ranked 32nd among qualifying QBs in yards per attempt and 30th in completion rate over expected.

Denver’s pass volume should give Waddle enough chances to matter weekly, especially if his target-earning ability carries over from the Dolphins. And the Broncos likely targeted the speedy wideout to help those efficiency issues.

2026 Opportunity & Projection

New Team. New Competition.

Waddle should immediately compete with Courtland Sutton for the team target lead.

Sutton is coming off a 125-target, 1,017-yard season and still profiles as a strong X boundary and red-zone WR. Waddle primarily played the Z WR role in Miami and figured to do the same in Denver. They can certainly compliment each other. 

Waddle better than Sutton last year by most efficiency metrics, including yards per route run, PFF receiving grade, and targets per route run.

They also return young WR depth with Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims, and Pat Bryant.

Evan Engram also projects for a meaningful underneath role after seeing 77 targets in 16 games last season.

Waddle could certainly become Denver's No. 1 WR after the Broncos traded a first- and third-round pick for him this offseason. His talent and efficiency give him the best chance on the roster to earn volume through separation.

Fast Pace, Plenty of Targets

QB Bo Nix finished last season:

• 12th among QBs in fantasy points per game
• First in pass attempts
• Eighth in passing yards
• Ninth in passing TDs

The efficiency still needs work. Nix ranked 32nd in yards per attempt and 30th in completion percentage over expected.

But Denver’s pass volume and pace should still boost weekly target opportunities.

Pass Rate Keeps Climbing

Sean Payton has consistently built fantasy-friendly offenses throughout his coaching career, including in Denver.

Payton has gradually shifted the Broncos toward a faster, more pass-leaning offense over the last three seasons:

Even with Dobbins healthy through the first 10 weeks, Denver still leaned pass-heavy:

• 57.2% pass rate
• 57.6% neutral pass rate
• +4.0% pass rate over expected

Payton’s history suggests Denver could continue trending further toward the pass and a faster pace in 2026.

Waddle Could Be the New No. 1

His ceiling case starts with Waddle becoming Denver’s target leader over Sutton.

That seems likely. Waddle beat Sutton last year in PFF receiving grade, yards per route run, and targets per route run. He also commanded a 24.5% target share in 11 full games without Tyreek Hill.

If Waddle earns something close to that share in Denver’s high-volume passing game, he could push into high-end WR2 territory.

He’d also benefit if Nix improves as a downfield passer. Waddle ranked fourth among WRs in air-yards share last year and averaged 14.2 yards per catch, so the big-play upside is there.

Sutton Could Be a Roadblock

Waddle’s efficiency doesn’t guarantee he becomes Denver’s No. 1 WR. He could still settle in as the No. 2 WR behind Sutton despite the draft capital invested in him.

Sutton is coming off a 1,017-yard season and ranked ninth among WRs in air-yards share. Engram presents another underneath target, and Denver also fed RBs heavily in the passing game.

A new scheme could also leave Waddle in a different role than he had in Miami, more complementary piece than Denver's new No. 1.

Evan Engram

2025 Role & Results

Two Useful Weeks, Nine Top-20 Misses

Engram caught 50 passes on 76 targets for 461 yards and 1 TD across 16 games last year. He finished:

• TE34 in PPR points per game 
• TE26 in expected points per game
• TE32 in total points

He had just two top-12 weekly finishes and finished outside the top 20 nine times.

The Routes Were There. The Priority Wasn’t.

Engram’s 76 targets ranked 15th among TEs, and his 50 receptions ranked 18th.

He ran 363 routes, 19th among TEs, and his 93.1% route rate ranked second, but it didn’t translate to a high target share. 

His 12.6% target share ranked 24th among TEs with 50+ targets. That was a severe drop-off from his time with the Jaguars: 

• 2022: 16.3% (12th)
• 2023: 22.6% (Second)
• 2024: 23.5% (Third)

The move to Denver, plus Engram's age (31), likely helped drive that major drop in target share.

Engram moved around the formation. He lined up inline on 42.6% of his snaps, in the slot on 43.3%, and out wide 12.3% of the time.

TE Couldn’t Capitalize on Opportunity

Engram’s usage looked better than his efficiency. Among 38 TEs with 40+ targets, he ranked:

• 36th in PFF receiving grade
• 27th in yards per route run
• 38th in average target depth

His 4.2-yard average depth of target ranked last in that group, so he saw use mostly near the line of scrimmage. That helped him catch 70.4% of his targets but capped the yardage. Engram averaged just 9.2 yards per catch and 1.27 yards per route.

He also fell short in after catch ability. Engram ranked first among TEs in expected yards after catch per reception, but seventh in actual YAC per reception. Despite some open space in schemed opportunities, Engram still could not meet his expected YAC per reception.

First in Attempts, 24th in TE Target Share

Denver’s offense creates room for a little bit of optimism.

The Broncos ranked third in plays per game, ninth in pass rate, and 10th in pass rate over expected last year. Bo Nix led the league with 612 pass attempts.

But TE volume was not a major part of the offense. Denver ranked just 24th in TE target share. The Broncos targeted WRs at the 12th-highest rate and RBs at the fourth-highest rate. That likely sinks Engram’s potential to drastically improve from 2025.

2026 Opportunity & Projection

Engram Could Have Real Competition

Engram should stick as the Bronco’s lead TE…at least to start the season.

The Broncos return Adam Trautman as competition for Engram at TE. They also added rookie Justin Joly in the fifth round. Either could pass Engram if they showcase more ability.

He also faces significant target competition with the addition of Jaylen Waddle. Waddle arrives after a 100-target, 910-yard season. Plus, Courtland Sutton drew 125 targets and topped 1,000 yards last year.

More options joining an offense that already failed to propel Engram’s fantasy scoring certainly doesn’t seem like good news for the aging vet.

Sean Payton Keeps Pass Rate High

Sean Payton has consistently built fantasy-friendly offenses throughout his coaching career, including in Denver.

Payton has gradually shifted the Broncos toward a faster, more pass-leaning offense over the last three seasons:

Even with Dobbins healthy through the first 10 weeks, Denver still leaned pass-heavy:

• 57.2% pass rate
• 57.6% neutral pass rate
• +4.0% PROE

Payton’s history suggests Denver could continue trending further toward the pass and a faster pace in 2026.

Little Path to Ceiling

Engram has a pretty low ceiling heading into 2026. He ranked just 34th among TEs in PPR points per game last year despite the Broncos’ top-10 pass rate and his 76 targets.

Now, the addition of Jaylen Waddle knocks Engram down a spot in terms of receiving options on the team.

Engram Could Tumble Down the Depth Chart

Engram carries real risk of losing his role and becoming waiver wire fodder in fantasy.  

Engram's 2025 efficiency was poor. He ranked 36th among 38 qualifying TEs in PFF receiving grade and 27th in yards per route run, and now heads into his age-32 season.

Denver also has Trautman and Joly at the position. Trautman’s playing time has settled short of 60% the past two years after he hit 70% in his first Broncos season, so he’ll almost certainly remain a blocking-heavy play. Joly brings some receiving upside, though, including beating WR KC Concepcion by 201 yards when they played together at N.C. State in 2024. (Concepcion, of course, went to the Browns in Round 1 of this year’s draft.)

Even if Engram does stick as the starter, Denver’s target competition has gotten stiffer. There’s nothing to like here.