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Fantasy Start/Sit Questions
Who To Start On The Broncos
Cody writes: “If you had to choose two Denver Broncos to start against [the Chiefs] – who are they?”
Previte: Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon are the two Broncos players I feel comfortable starting against the Chiefs in that order.
Both have been heavily involved as they've leaned heavily on the run game to obscure their passing deficiencies. Williams is definitely on the rise and out-snapped Gordon 36-to-26 last week, though Gordon had more carries. Both are top 30 at their position in half PPR this season and offer RB2/flex value this week.
I have my reservations about all the Broncos' pass catchers.
Jerry Jeudy was a dud and caught two passes for 25 yards last week against the Chargers. The talent is there, but he continues to be hampered by subpar quarterback play. Courtland Sutton started the season strong and was WR17 in half PPR through the first seven games. Since Week 8, he is WR87 and was a complete dud last week. Noah Fant has three games all season with double-digit fantasy points and remains highly touchdown dependent.
If I had to pick one pass catcher this week, I would pick Jeudy just given the talent and upside.
Stream Tua Tagovailoa This Week?
Oscar writes: “Did Tua [Tagovailoa] get legit? Can I stream him if I need someone this week?”
Previte: Tagovailoa has been legit.
In spite of all the criticism he has received since joining the Dolphins in 2020, he has been extremely accurate this year and is QB12 on a per-game basis since returning from injury in Week 6. Last week's dud against the Panthers can surely be overlooked given how good the Carolina defense has been against the pass.
This week, the Dolphins face the Giants who have been above average against fantasy quarterbacks, but are not a matchup I'm necessarily avoiding. He is definitely stream-worthy in deeper leagues.
Fantasy Stock Questions
Targeting Jaylen Waddle
Jeremy writes: “Should I trade for [Jaylen] Waddle?”
Previte: Depends on what you have to give up.
Waddle has been an absolute beast and has scored in back-to-back games. He posted his first 100-receiving yard game in Week 12 versus Carolina, which brings me to my only concern that you might be "buying high" on Waddle at his apex. That said, his workload has been solid: He has double-digit targets in five of 12 games and ranks sixth among receivers in targets this year.
He is an absolute stud, limited somewhat by his quarterback and situation. The Dolphins have a late Week 14 bye, so I would only pursue him if I was sure I wasn't going to miss the playoffs. His playoff schedule is solid, as Miami faces the Jets, Saints and Titans in Weeks 15 through 17, so he could definitely make an impact towards your championship run.
Is Cam Newton Worth A Roster Spot?
Jason writes: “Is Cam Newton worth holding through the bye? Falcons look juicy, but can’t help feel I’m better off dropping him for someone like Carson Wentz.”
Previte: No. I'm completely fine with dropping Newton over the bye, especially because I doubt someone will pick him up except in deeper leagues, so he will probably be available to you if you really did want him come Week 14 against the Falcons.
Newton was abysmal against a soft Dolphins defense and completed just five of 21 passes for 92 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions for a QBR of 5.4. He did find the end zone on the ground, but eight fantasy points just isn't going to cut it. Additionally, he might not even be the starter moving forward given he was benched for P.J. Walker mid-game.
I also like Wentz — and this Colts' offense — much more than Newton and the Panthers rest-of-season. Wentz does have a Week 14 bye, but he is QB15 on a per-game basis and just tossed three touchdowns against the Buccaneers. He isn't a sexy name, but he is much more reliable than Newton and isn't in danger of being benched.
