Broncos vs. Chiefs
Broncos
How is the Denver backfield affected by Royce Freeman’s absence?
Royce Freeman‘s ankle injury really opens things up for the explosive Phillip Lindsay, making him a strong play against a Chiefs defense that has struggled to contain running backs all year. Lindsay figures to get most of the early down and red zone work, while Devontae Booker figures to spell Lindsay and play in the passing game. There is some concern if the Broncos fall behind to the Chiefs high powered offense that Denver will have Booker on the field to catch passes, hurting Lindsay’s fantasy prospects. But if the Broncos can stay in the game, expect them to ride Lindsay early and often. He should be a safe bet for 15-20 touches and has big game upside. Booker could be a desperation play in deep PPR leagues, as he might have a chance at five or more catches if the game gets out of hand.
Who are the fantasy relevant pass catchers for the Broncos?
Emmanuel Sanders is the clear #1 fantasy option in the passing game, as his explosive week 7 and increased red zone usage has vaulted him up the fantasy ranks. While he had a quiet game in the first matchup against the Chiefs, expect him to see more volume in Kansas City where the Broncos will likely be in catch-up mode for a decent portion of the game. Sanders has an excellent floor and ceiling in this matchup.
Demaryius Thomas has become an unexciting fantasy option, depending on touchdowns to make fantasy owners happy. If not for some late garbage time production his numbers would be even worse. Even in a high scoring matchup with the Chiefs, I would look for other options before turning to Thomas.
I keep waiting for Courtland Sutton to jump ahead of Thomas as the number two option, and last week started out promising with a trick play 28-yard touchdown catch from a Sanders pass. But after that, he was held without a catch, although he did see a red zone target. Part of that may be attributable to the Broncos blowout of the Cardinals, as they didn’t need to pass in the second half. Regardless, Sutton can’t be trusted yet in fantasy lineups. If Sanders or Thomas were traded at the deadline, however, jump on Sutton immediately, as the rookie has shown promise. He may even be worth a stash in deep leagues if you have a spot for him.
Are there any streaming options on the Broncos this week?
Case Keenum‘s lack of efficiency holds him back as a streaming option even in a plus matchup, and you likely have better options available. While it’s certainly possible he has a big game in a shootout, Keenum has only thrown for 300+ yards in three games, and the Broncos would love to limit his passing attempts if at all possible. He may be worth a look in daily fantasy if entering multiple lineups, but I wouldn’t go much farther than that. He just hasn’t been very good this year.
The Broncos D has shown a very promising pass rush, but you simply can’t play them against the Chiefs offense playing at home.
Brandon McManus has been very accurate this year, but might not be the best option this week. I typically don’t like to play kickers on teams that are big underdogs, as their teams often pass up field goals to go for a touchdown while in comeback mode. The Broncos are ten point underdogs this week.
Tight end Jeff Heuerman‘s production has fallen off the map, but his snap rates and routes run are at least positive. He posted four catches for 57 yards in week four against the Chiefs and may have value in extremely deep leagues.
Predictions:
Boom: Emmanuel Sanders
Bust: Demaryius Thomas
Sleeper: Devontae Booker (deep leagues)
-Erik Smith
Chiefs
This week the Kansas City Chiefs, the leagues top scoring offense, host the Denver Broncos this Sunday at Arrowhead. Kansas City, currently leading the AFC West, won an earlier matchup this season against the Broncos in a hard fought 27-23 victory. What should fantasy owners expect in this divisional game? Marc Salazar from QBList takes a deep dive into the most pressing questions heading into this Week 8 matchup.
Can the Broncos slow down Patrick Mahomes this week?
Don’t count on it. QB Patrick Mahomes is rolling right now, with six straight 300-yard passing games. Mahomes leads the league with 22 passing touchdowns, is second in yards and top five in QB rating. What’s most impressive is Mahomes leads the league in big plays, with 34 completions of 20+ yards and leads with 8 completions of 40+ yards. While Mahomes may be at risk of turnovers, but he hasn’t been taking sacks, just eight on the season. Big play to say the least. Last time these two teams met Broncos star outside linebacker Von Miller was quiet and it won’t surprise anyone if he is again shut out on Sunday. Mahomes is a Top 5 QB play Sunday and the only thing owners should be worried about is if Mahomes will be available during fantasy playoffs.
Kareem Hunt is currently on a tear. Is he a good start this week against Denver?
Absolutely, the Broncos are currently 8th in fantasy points allowed to running backs, already surrendering 951 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. Hunt had a fantastic game in Mile High Week 4, going for 121 rushing and adding 54 yards receiving. Hunt has scored 25 or more fantasy points in three of the last four week, in PPR scoring. He’s an RB1 and a strong cash game DFS play this weekend.
How do you feel about the wide receiver matchups this weekend?
I like WR Sammy Watkins this week as a sneaky start in DFS tournaments and think he can have a big game. Lead receiver Tyreek Hill draws CB Chris Harris this weekend, and while he did catch nine balls in Week 4 he was quiet with just 54 yards. Watkins exited the earlier match-up early in the first and never got the chance to get going. This week Watkins should see CB Bradley Roby for most of the afternoon. Roby has been torched early this year, top ten in yards allowed and has given up three touchdowns. So far this season we have seen a seesaw from the two top Chiefs receivers when one is up the other is down. I see Sunday as a Watkins game. That is not to say that Hill should be benched, but Watkins is a must-play and a solid DFS option.
What will we see from the KC tight end position this weekend?
Obviously, TE Travis Kelce is an automatic start in redraft leagues, but I am cautious to expect a touchdown from him. The Broncos have been solid against the TE this season, above average in scoring against and allowing just two touchdowns. Kelce has one of those TDs in Week 4 but I see this more of a move the sticks game from Kelce rather than a huge game. Desperate fantasy owners will also want to stay away from TE Demetrius Harris this week. There are better streaming options this week.
Boom: Patrick Mahomes
Bust: Tyreek Hill
Sleeper: Sammy Watkins
-Marc Salazar