2022 Denver Broncos Team Outlook
WR KJ Hamler, DEN - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
Injuries cost Hamler three games in his first year with Denver. He finished with 30 catches for 381 yards and three touchdowns on 56 targets. Hamler struggled to get open with a low catch rate (53.6) while scoring over 10.0 fantasy points in three matchups (3/13/1, 6/75, and 2/86/2). Over his final five games, Hamler had five combined catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns on 12 targets. Last year a torn left ACL ended his season after three games (5/74 on 10 targets).
Despite being undersized (5'9" and 178 lbs.), Hamler does play with strength (15 reps in the NFL combined bench press). His electric speed and quickness will threaten a defense whenever he gets the ball in space. Hamler has a slot feel, but his game is about challenging defenders with his legs. Once he gets the ball in his hands, the next move is hitting the gas while having the talent and vision to create in space.
Fantasy outlook: Hamler brings an exciting dynamic to the Broncos' passing game. He doesn't project to get enough targets to be a starting fantasy option without an injury, but Russell Wilson will find him in space, creating some impact game even with a low number of chances. Hamler falls into the flier category with some draft momentum expected over the summer.
TE Greg Dulcich, DEN - Dynasty Only
Over the past two seasons at UCLA, Dulcich caught 68 balls for 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns on 107 targets. He gained an impressive 18.3 yards per catch. However, his value as a blocker looks minimal early in his career, pointing to only a vertical opportunity for Denver in his rookie season.
Other Options: Eric Tomlinson, Eric Saubert, Dylan Parham
TE Albert Okwuegbunam, DEN - Quality Backup
As the TE2 for Denver last year, Okwuegbunam caught 33 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns on 40 targets. His best value came in three matchups (3/16/1, 3/77, and 5/41/1) while never receiving more than five targets in a game.
Okwuegbunam caught 98 passes for 1,187 yards and 23 touchdowns on 144 targets over his three seasons in college.
Fantasy outlook: The Broncos have confidence in Okwuegbunam's ability and expect him to start the season. He should push his catch total over 50 with a chance to secure five to seven scores. In May, his ADP (147) in the FFWC paints him as a mid-tier TE2 in the fantasy market.
PK Brandon McManus, DEN - Quality Backup
Despite falling short in field goals made over the past three years (29, 28, and 26), McManus has been a beast from 50 yards or more (19-for-31). He has five missed extra points over his previous 87 chances. The Broncos scored 37 touchdowns in 2021 with 31 field goal chances.
Fantasy outlook: McManus brings a big leg with top-tier upside if Denver can create enough scoring chances. He ranks 11th in the early draft season in the FFWC.
Denver - Stud (low risk)
The Broncos worked their way to 15th defending the run (1,892 yards), with ball carriers gaining only 4.3 yards per rush. They allowed nine touchdowns with 10 runs over 20 yards.
Denver ranked 8th in passing yards allowed (3,652) while allowing 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The Broncos picked up 36 sacks. Quarterbacks gained 6.9 yards per pass attempt with 48 completions over 20 yards.
S Justin Simmons and CB Patrick Surtain set the tone for the Broncos' secondary. Simmons is an excellent all-around player, while Surtain has the talent to be a lockdown cover corner. DE Bradley Chubb continues to battle injuries since his impactful rookie season (60 tackles and 12 sacks). The first and second levels of Denver's defense have plenty of question marks, inviting regression in play this year.
The AFC West is loaded with offensive talent, making the Broncos' defense a challenging fantasy ride each week. They rank 9th in the FFWC in the early draft season, but I only see matchup value if a couple of players emerge in the pass rush.
