Bryant finished as the WR16 for Week 9 so far, catching 4 of 5 targets for 56 yards and a TD in his return from IR. He led the Broncos in receiving yards, and his 26-yard catch was Bo Nix’s longest completion. Bryant played 51 snaps (68%) and ran 31 routes. Jaylen Waddle left after one play on the third drive with a concussion. Bryant’s playing time wasn’t affected by Waddle’s exit, while Courtland Sutton played 47 of the final 51 snaps.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
Bryant has been efficient on limited volume. He came in averaging just 3.0 targets per game (WR93) with a 9.6% target share over four games. His 6.7-yard aDOT ranks 100th among WRs. But he’s beaten his expected fantasy points by 3.1 per game, and his 86 yards over the first three weeks topped Sutton’s 82. If Waddle misses time, his 22.7% target share (WR25) is up for grabs. That could make Bryant Denver’s top option, since Sutton has averaged only 4.6 targets per game.
Denver is on bye in Week 10. Week 11 brings the Raiders, who allow the 12th-most fantasy points to WRs (33.6 per game), rank 27th in Pass Defense Power and have PFF’s worst coverage grade (31.8). Week 12 is at Pittsburgh (23rd-most to WRs, 28.9), which ranks 6th in Pass Defense Power. Jaylen Waddle’s concussion gives Bryant an opening to make more contributions. Bryant is a waiver target and a WR3 against the Raiders.
