Denver Broncos DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

It's probably tempting for fantasy managers to start Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix in Week 16 against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers after Tampa QB Baker Mayfield lit them up for four touchdowns in a blowout win last week. However, you may want to think twice. Nix has exceeded expectations in his first year with the Broncos and is the QB10 in overall fantasy points despite a slow start in 2024. But the 12th overall pick out of Oregon has thrown four touchdowns and five interceptions in the last two games while completing only 55.88% of his passes for 424 yards. The Chargers defense has been middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to QBs on the year, but they are also tied with Denver for the fewest points allowed per game (17.6). On paper, this divisional battle figures to be a low-scoring affair, potentially limiting Nix's fantasy upside. He went 19-for-33 for 216 yards, two touchdowns and a pick in the Week 6 loss to LA.

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. McLaughlin opened the week as a non-participate but was able to upgrade to a limited participant on Tuesday. However, he was downgraded on Thursday and will set his sights on returning in Week 17 to face the Cincinnati Bengals. The 24-year-old left last weekend's game early with this injury. Before departing, McLaughlin tallied 21 yards on seven attempts. McLaughlin has struggled to find consistent attempts in the offense but has flashed some upside when given work, as he has averaged 5.3 yards per carry over his past four games. With McLaughlin ruled out, fantasy managers should expect Javonte Williams to see a majority of the opportunities out of the backfield.

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) did not suit up for practice on Monday. It's worth noting that this was an estimated practice report, so fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it. McLaughlin was forced to exit early during Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. That being said, McLaughlin appears to be in danger of sitting out Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. If that happens, Javonte Williams and Audric Estime would see more snaps in the backfield. Between the two, Williams is the more appealing fantasy option. Williams has struggled recently, but had some decent performances earlier in the season.

Although it wasn't the best fantasy day for Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz in the 31-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Week 15, he did extend his streak of perfection to four straight games. Lutz nailed his lone field-goal attempt on the day from 44 yards out and was also successful on all four of his extra-point opportunities to send the Broncos to 9-5. The 30-year-old veteran has made 90 percent of his 30 field-goal tries in 14 games in his second year in Denver, with two of his three misses on the year being a blocked kick and a try from over 60 yards out. Lutz has been money in the bank, and with Denver's offense picking things up under rookie quarterback Bo Nix in the second half of the season, Lutz has become a top-10 fantasy kicker. Heading into a Thursday divisional showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers, he should once again be considered a top-10 option at the position.

None of the Denver Broncos wide receivers were able to do much in the Week 15 win over the Indianapolis Colt on Sunday with rookie quarterback Bo Nix struggling and throwing for only 130 yards on the day. Marvin Mims Jr. caught all four of his targets but had only 20 receiving yards. He also had one carry that went for no gain. The disappointing performance comes on the heels of the 22-year-old's three-catch, 105-yard, one-touchdown performance in the Week 13 win over the Browns. Mims' big day before the bye week came thanks to a 93-yard touchdown strike against Cleveland. The Broncos have made it a point to get Mims involved in the second half of the season, but it's been only minimal involvement. Outside of his 100-yard game in Week 13, Mims hasn't cleared 50 yards or four receptions, making him a desperation flex option for fantasy managers in deep leagues.