Denver Broncos DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton announced on Friday that quarterback Jarrett Stidham will start the team's preseason opener on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium against the hosting Indianapolis Colts. Rookie first-rounder Bo Nix will start the second preseason game next week in Denver versus the Green Bay Packers. Nix will also appear after Stidham leaves the game on Sunday, with Zach Wilson following Nix. Stidham opened training camp atop the team's unofficial depth chart and has had the edge to win the starting job to open the 2024 regular season, mainly because of his experience in Payton's offense from a year ago. Stidham and Nix have split first-team reps at camp, and if Nix outperforms Stidham in the preseason, there remains a chance that the rookie could start in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. Whoever wins the job in Denver will be a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues, at best.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry struggled early in training camp, but according to team reporter Jeff Nowak, he's been "coming on strong lately" ahead of the team's first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday. The sixth-round pick in last year's draft had a decent start to his career, considering his draft position, catching 12 passes for 246 yards and four touchdowns. The Wake Forest product has a chance to play significant snaps in 2024 following the departure of long-time Saint Michael Thomas. Perry has a strong college production profile and above-average athleticism, so he could have some fantasy value in quarterback Derek Carr's offense. For now, he's likely the WR3 behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. It would be a surprise if he's a consistent producer, but his long frame could make him a top target in the red zone. His best value is as a late-round flier in best-ball formats.

The Denver Broncos are listing quarterback Jarrett Stidham as their starter on their first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. Rookie first-rounder Bo Nix is listed as third string behind Zach Wilson. For context, the Broncos listed all of their rookies last on the depth chart at their respective positions, so fantasy managers that took the plunge on Nix in dynasty/keeper drafts shouldn't be too concerned. The real competition this summer for the Week 1 starting job under center appears to be between Stidham and Nix, with Stidham being the favorite, mostly because of his experience in the system. Head coach Sean Payton isn't in a rush to name the team's Week 1 starter. Either way, this is a situation for fantasy managers to avoid in 2024, even in two-QB superflex formats. All three QBs are expected to play in the team's preseason opener this Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts on the road.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele was a seventh-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, meaning his path to making the opening-day roster will be challenging. However, Broncos reporter Benjamin Allbright said he is likely ahead of fourth-round rookie Troy Franklin on the depth chart, so he could have a realistic shot. The 26-year-old caught 98 passes for 1,288 yards and eight touchdowns in his final two seasons at Utah, but his solid showing at the 2024 NFL Combine was likely the primary factor in him being drafted. While it would be a nice surprise if he's on the Week 1 roster, he's unlikely to make a fantasy football impact as the potential WR4 or WR5 in an offense led by veteran Jarrett Stidham or rookie Bo Nix.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. had a hot-and-cold practice on Saturday but showed off his explosive play prowess nonetheless. During the early portion of practice, Jarrett Stidham placed a beautiful ball just out of reach of the fingertips of Mims, who couldn't complete the diving grab. The second-year wideout then caught a ball during Bo Nix's go, but he saved his biggest play of the day for last. In an end-of-game, win-or-go-home hypothetical situation, the Broncos' offense was down to 4th-and-18, and Stidham completed his pass to Mims this time for 23 yards, keeping the drive alive. He also flashed his explosiveness in stints during his rookie season, and Denver's WR room is wide open behind Courtland Sutton. He'll be vying for targets with fellow wideouts Josh Reynolds and rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin. Mims is a late-round choice in fantasy drafts right now at WR72 with an NFFC ADP 185, making him worth a flier in best ball and deep leagues as a big play threat.