Should I Start Troy Franklin?

Saturday, October 10, 9:54 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin could be in line for more playing time Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers after Pat Bryant (ankle) landed on injured reserve. The problem is that Franklin has already been getting snaps without seeing much of the football. He played 30 offensive snaps against San Francisco last week, more than Bryant or Marvin Mims Jr., but wasn't targeted once. Franklin has only two catches for 48 yards on four targets through Week 4, a sharp drop from last season's 65 receptions for 709 yards and six touchdowns. Sean Payton taking back the play-calling duties adds another wrinkle to Denver's offense, and the Chargers will be without Donte Jackson (hamstring) and Derwin James (hamstring) in their secondary. Neither development changes the fact that Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton remain ahead of Franklin for receiving work. RotoBaller has him at WR66 in its updated Week 5 rankings. Until the targets start coming, Franklin belongs on fantasy benches even in most deeper leagues.