Jaylen Waddle
vs Zay Flowers

“Jaylen Waddle was the prince who was promised to solve all of Denver’s offensive issues and to finally be the joker that Sean Payton craved for the Broncos. Unfortunately, over four games, he has as many weekly finishes below 5.5 half-PPR points as he does above 12.0. half-PPR points While it can be frustrating to see that kind of return from Waddle, it’s abundantly clear when you look at the film and the stats that this isn’t on him.”

“This year, we have JK Dobbins swearing to the old gods and new that he will play 17 games, and a rookie RB Jonah Coleman getting rave reviews in camp (ready to step in when Dobbins does inevitably get hurt); Jaylen Waddle is exactly what this team needs offensively , offering up YAC opportunities, strong route running in the short + intermediate part of the field, and a level of improvisation with Nix that Franklin + Mimms just weren’t able to offer.”

“Waddle should get a wonderful infusion of volume this season, moving from an offense that was 29th in neutral passing rate to one that was fourth in that metric last season.”

“Now the alpha receiver for the Broncos, Waddle will bring his electric route-running to an offense that thrives upon precision and isn’t afraid to sling it. Fantasy managers can look for a spike in Waddle’s yards per route run and target rate, as Courtland Sutton draws away defensive attention downfield.”

“Jaylen Waddle (WR – DEN) “ Jaylen Waddle is one of my favorite targets this year because I think people are looking too much at last season’s final numbers and not enough at how well he actually played. He ranked 12th in targets per route run, 12th in yards per route run, and seventh in first downs per route run, so the talent and efficiency are clearly still there.”

“4.11: Jaylen Waddle (WR – DEN) Jaylen Waddle is being overlooked as he enters his first year with the Broncos. Evan Silva of Establish The Run projects him to a huge year under Sean Payton, comparing him to Brandin Cooks during his time in New Orleans.”

“Adding Jaylen Waddle is not some small improvement.”

“The arrival of Jaylen Waddle will change that this year. Sutton still can be a highly productive player in a pass-happy offense, but he’ll take a backseat to Waddle.”

“The yards after catch haven’t shown up either, and with Zay Flowers projected to be back in the lineup, Andrews’ target competition is only getting tougher. Until the usage changes, I’d rather chase the matchup upside somewhere else at the position. Final Thoughts Three weeks into the season, the gap between box score and underlying performance is starting to matter more than ever.”

“Zay Flowers is coming off WR12 in FPPG last season, and could have an improved situation with Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator.”

“There’s a world where Zay Flowers has the talent to be a top-5 fantasy WR if he can ever score TDs. Over 1,200 yards. 86 catches and 5 TDs (WR7) in 2025. WR3 over the last five games. 4+ catches in 13 of his 17 games: a testament to his reliable floor and consistent involvement.”

“Zay Flowers will be the focal point of the passing attack, leading Baltimore in targets. However, Lane is competing with Rashod Bateman and an aging Mark Andrews for the No.”

“Zay Flowers dominated Baltimore’s passing game in 2025 and remains Lamar Jackson’s most trusted target.”

“Zay Flowers (WR – BAL) “ Zay Flowers is being drafted as WR17, which is a bit of a head scratcher considering he finished as WR12 in PPG for receivers that played more than half the year (WR14 if not).”

“Flowers posted 86 catches, 1,211 yards, and six total touchdowns last year despite playing for a team that threw the fewest passes in the league over the last three years.”