Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin actually out-touched backfield mate Javonte Williams 15 to eight in the 26-20 Week 1 loss on Sunday to the Seattle Seahawks out Lumen Field, but he did very little with his touches and also lost a crucial fumble. The Broncos offense couldn't really sustain any drives all day. McLaughlin finished with a team-high 10 carries for 27 yards (2.7 yards per tote) while catching all five of his targets for just one yard while also losing a fumble. It wasn't a great day for anyone in the Denver offense, but fantasy managers stashing McLaughlin in deeper leagues have to like the fact that he out-touched Williams and potentially could be the team's preferred third-down back this year. It would be a reach to consider him worth a starting lineup spot in Week 2, though, as the Broncos head home to face the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday.

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams had about the worst start his fantasy managers could have asked for in the 26-20 Week 1 loss at Lumen Field on Sunday to the Seattle Seahawks. Williams only saw eight carries for 23 yards (2.88 yards per carry) while catching one of his two targets for no gain in the passing game. In addition to his poor performance, Williams was out-touched 15 to eight by backup Jaleel McLaughlin and out-gained in total yardage 28 to 23. The Broncos offense wasn't moving the ball at all in rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix's NFL debut, and the Denver ground game was especially poor against a Seahawks defense that was very generous against the run in 2023. Williams should lead the Broncos backfield in touches on most weeks, but he faces another difficult matchup in Week 2 against the Steelers, where he should be considered an RB3/flex.

Denver Broncos rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix predictably struggled in his NFL debut in a hostile environment at Lumen Field in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks in the team's 26-20 loss. Nix went 26-for-42 for 138 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He also ran the ball five times for 35 yards and the first touchdown of his NFL career. The 24-year-old Oregon product had a couple of careless throws that cost him in this one, but he did show a nice ability to make plays outside of the pocket with his legs. His rushing score came late in the game to draw the Broncos to within six, but they couldn't pull off the comeback. Not many people were expecting Nix to go into Seattle and put up big numbers in his first NFL start. Nix has intriguing athletic ability but should be only considered a QB2/3 in superflex leagues heading into Week 2 against a strong Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (coach's decision) has been officially designated as inactive for the team's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The rookie wide receiver is healthy but hasn't climbed up the depth chart enough to be a part of the main receiving corps. Word from the coaching staff was that they were happy with Franklin's growth so far, but it'll take a bit longer to see him on the field getting snaps. He's more valuable right now as a rookie stash in dynasty formats rather than redraft. His progress will be something to monitor as the season goes on and any injuries occur.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey and fullback Michael Burton have been elevated ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Humphrey has experience in this system as he played a full season with the Broncos in 2023. He finished with 13 receptions for 162 yards and three touchdowns last season. The assumption is that Humphrey is going to be extra depth heading into this game, so he probably won't see much time on the field. As for Burton, he should be the starting fullback, but there's not much fantasy value that comes along with that spot. Both players can be kept off the fantasy radar heading into Week 1.