Who Should I Start? Jaylen Waddle or Fernando Mendoza


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
12.2 0.8 0.0 4.4 57.8 0.3

Jaylen Waddle News

Jaylen Waddle Continues to Build Chemistry in Broncos Offense

Wednesday, August 19, 9:50 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle continues to make plays with his new quarterback, catching a 60-yard touchdown from Bo Nix during Wednesday's practice, according to Zac Stevens. Waddle beat Pat Surtain II on the play, another impressive rep against a corner he's battled throughout camp. The connection with Nix has been showing up more often lately. Nix hit Waddle in stride for a gain of at least 20 yards Tuesday, and offensive coordinator Davis Webb recently pointed to the work the two put in together over the summer when discussing their developing chemistry. Waddle has also jumped right back into the mix after missing more than a week with a leg strain. He caught 64 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns for Miami last season before Denver traded for him in March. The Broncos wanted another explosive element in the passing game, and Waddle's early work with Nix is starting to show exactly what that could look like.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.1 12.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Fernando Mendoza News

Fernando Mendoza Throws Pick-Six in First Preseason Start

Friday, August 21, 6:50 AM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza got his first professional start in Thursday night's preseason matchup with the Texans, and on the team's opening drive, he threw an interception to rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz that was returned 80 yards for a touchdown. Playing the entire first half, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft led four more drives, resulting in a field goal and three punts before Aidan O'Connell took over in the second half and managed a come-from-behind victory. Along with a handful of starters, veteran Kirk Cousins was given the night off following a productive joint practice with the Texans, but after the game, head coach Klint Kubiak declined to name a starter for the regular season. "We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job... It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going." Barring an unforeseen surprise, Mendoza will begin his rookie campaign backing up Cousins. Still, he has reportedly impressed behind the scenes and could find the field earlier than initially projected, making him an intriguing late-round pick in superflex leagues as RotoBaller's QB29.


Jaylen Waddle vs. Fernando Mendoza

Still trying to decide between Waddle and Mendoza? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jaylen Waddle is projected to score 12.2 points this week while Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 16.1 points.