Who Should I Start? Troy Franklin or Arian Smith

Saturday, June 6, 5:49 AM

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin took a sizable step forward in 2025, more than doubling his targets, receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown totals from an underwhelming 2024 rookie campaign. Unfortunately, with changes coming to the Broncos offense in 2026, Franklin's production is likely to plateau or crater following his WR33 finish. Quarterback Bo Nix is at his best when he's spreading the ball around, and following the additions of Jaylen Waddle via trade and capable pass-catching running back Jonah Coleman through the draft, Franklin will have a hard time reaching anything close to his 18% target share from 2025. Veteran Courtland Sutton still profiles as the go-to red zone weapon, and second-year player Pat Bryant showed flashes down the stretch and looked to be a major part of the game plan in two separate playoff outings that he left early with injury. Still only 23 years old and RotoBaller's WR79, Franklin is a dynasty hold coming off a 65-catch, 709-yard season. That said, even though Sutton is already north of 30, he agreed to a four-year extension last season that keeps him under contract through the 2029 season, meaning any eventual takeover by Franklin is likely to be a gradual one with fantasy frustrations along the way.