Who to start and who to sit?
It’s tough when you’re playing fantasy football to separate what you want to happen (an offensive explosion by the Broncos) versus what is actually going to happen. Luckily for you, Predominantly Orange writer Derek Esquibel has you covered with who you should start and sit for both teams in the Denver Broncos/Oakland Raiders matchup.
Start – Case Keenum
Case Keenum is a very tricky fantasy player this week. If you have a better option on your roster it would be advised to go that route but if not, Keenum should be serviceable. The Raiders defense actually did well against Jared Goff limiting him to a 54% completion percentage and only seven yards per attempt.
However, Goff still put up 21 points in a standard scoring format. As long as Keenum limits his mistakes he should be able to put up a similar or better fantasy day then Goff did last week.
Start – Jared Cook
The Broncos once again have issues covering the tight end position. Last week they gave up 105 yards and a touchdown to rookie Will Dissly on three catches. Cook on Monday night put up better numbers with nine catches for 180 yards.
With those numbers, Cook is the number one tight end after week one in fantasy. The Broncos should game plan heavily for the tight end but until they can prove they are able to stop them, tight ends against the Broncos should start in your fantasy lineup.
Start -Emmanuel Sanders
Sanders looks revitalized this season. His routes are crisp and his hands are soft. While on the Raiders sideline none of their corners strike fear in opposing receivers. 10 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown is a tough act to follow but Sanders could likely see a stat line similar to Brandin Cooks’ five catches for 87 yards.
If he can add a touchdown to that, you will have a really nice fantasy day. Just no flipping into the end zone again, Emmanuel.
Sit -Derek Carr
Carr and Keenum both threw three interceptions in week one, the difference is Keenum also added three touchdowns. Carr has yet to come back to form from his breakout season in 2016. To make matters worse he’s now got the hungry Broncos pass rush lining across from him.
The same defense who made Russell Wilson’s Sunday miserable, sacking him six times and intercepting him twice. Carr could be in for a long day.
Sit – Amari Cooper
Looking to bounce back from an off-year Cooper came out and started his season with a one catch, nine-yard performance.
Carr and Cooper don’t seem in-sync and that doesn’t bode well going against Chris Harris Jr, Bradley Roby, and the rest of the Broncos defense.
Sit – Bronco Tight ends
If you have either Jeff Heuerman or Jake Butt you’re likely in a very deep league. Last week in fantasy football was absolutely miserable for tight ends with injuries and poor performances. Although the Broncos tight ends played an important role in the Broncos victory they didn’t add much fantasy value.
While against the Rams not a single completion was allowed to the tight end position for the Raiders. No matter how intriguing it may look don’t be fooled by Butt.
Now that we’ve given you your fair share of Denver Broncos specific information, here are our takes on each game this week along with who each of us take as an eliminator pick for this week.