Who Should I Start? Jaylen Waddle or Brian Thomas Jr.

Tuesday, March 31, 8:17 AM

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said that new wide receiver Jaylen Waddle will play both the slot and on the outside in his first year with the team in 2026, according to Luca Evans of The Denver Post. Payton also said the Broncos will have "speed packages" for him. The Broncos acquired Waddle in a trade from the Miami Dolphins in March in exchange for three draft picks, including Denver's first-rounder next month. With the move to the Mile High City, the 27-year-old's fantasy stock should improve in a pass-happy offense under quarterback Bo Nix. Courtland Sutton will still demand plenty of targets, but Waddle may lead the Broncos in receiving in 2026, especially given Nix's strength as a short and intermediate passer over the middle. Using Waddle all over the field is even better news for his fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper formats. The Broncos didn't trade for him to not use him. The former sixth overall pick in 2021 by Miami out of Alabama began his NFL career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons. Waddle has fallen short of that mark the last two years, but if he stays healthy in Denver, he should have a great shot of totaling 1,000 receiving yards yet again.