Denver Broncos DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

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 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.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (hand) is officially inactive for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but had an unfavorable outlook after missing practice on Friday. Indeed, he'll spend the season opener in street clothes, leaving Cedrick Wilson Jr. in line for the No. 3 role. Chris Olave remains the only must-start receiver in the Saints' offense, but deep threat Rashid Shaheed deserves some WR3/FLEX consideration with a decent matchup on tap.

In his first year with the Denver Broncos in 2023, kicker Wil Lutz finished as the No. 18 fantasy kicker by making 30 of his 34 field-goal attempts and 29 of his 31 extra-point opportunities in 17 games. It was enough to get the Broncos to sign him to a two-year contract extension in the offseason after it initially looked like he was about to jump ship and join the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 30-year-old veteran was a Pro Bowler in 2019 and has made 85.2% of his kicks in seven NFL seasons. It's not that he's an unreliable kicking option, but there are just much better options in fantasy to begin the season. The biggest reason why Lutz remains off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 1 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks is that he's kicking for an offense that will be led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Consistent field-goal opportunities may be hard to come by for the veteran.