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Yahoo Fantasy Football fantasy football takes on Jaylen Waddle
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Yahoo Fantasy Football about Jaylen Waddle.
80
Insights
42
Positive
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Negative
Insight ledger
All Yahoo Fantasy Football insights about Jaylen Waddle
PositiveProjectionOct 29, 2026
Waddle is WR50 on WR38 usage this year with 6.4 targets per game (32nd at position) leading to career-worst efficiency. Despite a 28% target share and 104 air yards in Week 4 that generated WR19 expected half PPR points, he's failed to convert expected production into actual results. Week 7 was forgettable with drops, miscommunications with Bo Nix, and a new chest injury after fumbling a reverse. The Chiefs matchup is brutal—Kansas City allows 31st-most half PPR points to WRs and opponents pass just 47% in neutral situations (second-lowest in NFL), funneling volume away. Denver is 1.5-point home underdog with 22nd-ranked implied total (20 points). Waddle will face emerging Pro Bowl CB1 Mansoor Delane.NegativeInjuryOct 29, 2026
Waddle left the game late in Week 7 with a new chest injury after landing on the ball following a fumbled reverse, adding to injury concerns heading into Week 8 vs. KC.NegativeProjectionOct 29, 2026
Waddle is ranked 32nd in Hayden Winks' WR blueprint for Week 8 vs. KC. Week 7 was a forgettable outing: he couldn't come down with an end-zone fade, wasn't on the same page with Bo Nix on a double move or zone checkdown, and left the game late with a new chest injury after landing on the ball following a fumbled reverse. Waddle ranks WR50 on WR38 usage this year with 6.4 targets per game (32nd at the position), leading to career-worst efficiency. His only positive was a 28% target share and 104 air yards in Week 4, which led to WR19 expected half PPR points, but actual production hasn't matched expectations.NegativeProjectionOct 27, 2026
Waddle is one of the key players Matt Harmon is relying on to turn things around after going 1-3 over the past four weeks and posting the low score of Week 7 with 66.8 points.NegativeInjuryOct 27, 2026
Waddle has a chest injury that the Broncos are tracking as a key concern heading into their Week 8 matchup against the Chiefs.NegativeInjuryOct 26, 2026
Waddle has had a rough first year in Denver, and his fantasy value has been disappointing for managers who invested a high draft pick. He caught 4 of 7 targets for 48 yards in Week 7's win over Arizona but was forced to exit with a chest injury and didn't return. He was trending toward another bust week before the injury. In shallow formats, Waddle could become a drop candidate. Even if he plays in Week 8, it's a miserable matchup against the Kansas City secondary. If Waddle is out, it's tough to trust any other receivers in this passing game.NegativeMatchupOct 26, 2026
Against Kansas City in Week 7, Waddle was held to one catch for two yards; the source notes that unless Nix can reconnect with other receivers, expect regression when Denver faces the Chiefs again in Week 8.NegativeInjuryOct 26, 2026
Waddle suffered multiple injuries during the Week 7 game against Arizona, including an injury on a backward pitch from Bo Nix; he is nursing multiple injuries heading into Week 8.NegativeProjectionOct 26, 2026
Waddle's total receiving yards on all throws this season are exceeded by Jaxon Smith-Njigba's 296 yards on throws of 10 air yards or less alone, highlighting the efficiency gap between the two receivers.NegativeInjuryOct 26, 2026
Waddle is nursing multiple injuries and accounted for half of Bo Nix's four completed intermediate throws in Week 7 against Arizona. The source expresses concern about Waddle's health and role going forward, noting that Kansas City held him to one catch for two yards in their previous matchup. With Nix struggling to connect with other receivers on intermediate throws (4-of-12 completion rate), the source projects regression in Week 8 against the Chiefs unless Nix can reconnect with receivers beyond Waddle.NegativeProjectionOct 23, 2026
Waddle is WR48 on WR36 usage this season, described as a concept of upside. The season has not gone as projected; he's not seeing the screens or deep shots anticipated heading into the year. Over the past two weeks, the Broncos' neutral pass rate has declined from the highest in the NFL to 43% and 40%, well below average. The Cardinals present an accommodating matchup, ranking third in half PPR points allowed to WRs and fourth-most in points allowed on intermediate targets (5-20 air yards). Denver heads into the road contest as 4.5-point road favorites with a 24.0-point implied total (12th), and this needs to be a bounce-back spot for the entire offense.NegativeRoleOct 23, 2026
Waddle is the unquestioned WR1 in the Broncos' broken offensive system but remains a risky start every week due to the team's overall offensive struggles through the first six weeks of the season.NegativeInjuryOct 22, 2026
Due for a good game in a favorable matchup at ARI and is a contrarian call, but he's on the injury report with something that sounds like it could limit him if he manages to play. With the late start time on Sunday, be careful.NegativeProjectionOct 22, 2026
The season is not going the way it should for Waddle. He's not seeing the screens or deep shots that were projected for him heading into the season. Over the past two weeks, the Broncos' neutral pass rate has gone from the highest in the NFL to 43% and 40%, well below average. Waddle is the WR48 on WR36 usage this season, noting a schedule against the Chiefs, Jaguars, Rams, 49ers, Chargers, and Seahawks to open the year was the hardest in the NFL. The Cardinals present an accommodating matchup, ranking 3rd in half PPR points allowed to WRs and specifically struggling against intermediate passing (4th-most half PPR points per game on targets between 5 and 20 air yards). Denver heads into the road contest as 4.5-point road favorites with a 24.0-point implied total (12th).NegativeValueOct 21, 2026
Ranked 35th among wide receivers in rest-of-season trade value with a HALFPPR value of 27, reflecting lower-tier trade asset status.NegativeProjectionOct 20, 2026
Ranked thirty-ninth among wide receivers in Week 7 fantasy rankings by Daniel Dobish of TheHuddle.com.NegativeRoleOct 19, 2026
Waddle's fantasy outlook is bleak given Bo Nix's poor play at quarterback for the Broncos; the source suggests it's 'probably over' for Waddle's fantasy value.NegativeBustOct 15, 2026
Described as a tough click right now, especially against Seattle's strong defense; the source blames Bo Nix more than Waddle, but notes it's been pretty ugly.PositiveValueOct 14, 2026
Jaylen Waddle ranks fourteenth on the trade value chart at 28 points, reflecting solid fantasy valuation and market positioning among receivers.PositiveBustOct 14, 2026
The source recommends selling Waddle low, viewing the Denver passing game as having reached its ceiling. Even with Sean Payton taking over playcalling, Waddle managed only 65 percent snap share and 18.5 percent target share in Week 5. On the season, Waddle ranks 40th in target share (17.9 percent) and 37th in team receiving yards (21.7 percent). Bo Nix looks bad, playcalling has been bland, and Waddle has more drops this season (4) than touchdown receptions (1). The source does not trust Payton, Nix, or Waddle to turn it around and recommends packaging Waddle with another player for an upgrade.NegativeBustOct 14, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is highlighted as a Week 6 fantasy football bad beat concern, with his Week 5 disappointing performance raising questions about whether it represents an isolated setback or a warning sign of ongoing trouble.NegativeBustOct 13, 2026
Waddle has 18 receptions for 204 yards and one touchdown through five games, but the production is heavily skewed by one explosive performance against Jacksonville (8 catches, 138 yards). Removing that game leaves Waddle with just 10 receptions for 66 yards across four games. The source attributes this to a broken Denver offense: Bo Nix is completing fewer than 60% of his passes and averaging just 5.8 yards per attempt, and the passing attack continues to struggle with consistency and efficiency. While Waddle deserves some criticism, the source places majority blame on the offensive environment and quarterback play, not Waddle's talent. The source is in Total Panic on Waddle as an every-week fantasy starter.NegativeBustOct 12, 2026
Despite Sean Payton's return to play-calling duties, Waddle ended up with just five targets and caught two of them for 19 yards against the Chargers in Week 5. This marks his third game with fewer than six fantasy points. Outside of his eight-catch, 138-yard performance against Jacksonville, Waddle has just 10 catches on 21 targets for 66 yards in his other four games, scoring fewer fantasy points than Kalif Raymond, Darius Cooper, Jakobi Meyers or Tre Tucker. He cannot be viewed as a WR2 anymore and should not be viewed as a starter until he puts together more than one decent game in a row. Bo Nix has not been productive, the receiving pecking order in Denver has been chaotic, and Waddle has not shown the catch volume or touchdown upside to be trusted in your lineup.PositiveProjectionOct 9, 2026
Waddle has been disappointing as the Broncos' supposed WR1 despite a month into the season. Bo Nix has thrown only five touchdown passes total (compared to Sam Darnold's six in effectively two games), and Waddle has yet to score a TD with Nix. His involvement is limited: 22% target share, 78% route rate, 68% snap share, and only four red-zone targets (second-most on team but first double-digit target depth in Week 4). Without a significant shift in opportunities and results, Waddle may fall into the WR3 category for the rest of the season, though the Chargers matchup and Sean Payton resuming play-calling could spark change.NegativeUsageOct 8, 2026
Jaylen Waddle, acquired by Denver via trade of a first-round pick and additional assets, has been underutilized through four games; he combined for just 47 yards in three of Denver's four games. The source notes this as part of the broader offensive dysfunction that prompted Sean Payton to reclaim play-calling duties from Davis Webb.PositiveValueOct 7, 2026
Waddle is a buy-low candidate despite disappointing early season performance (WR32 in fppg after being drafted in first four rounds as a top-24 wideout). Pat Bryant's ankle injury will free up targets; the Broncos face easier matchups ahead after opening against four Super Bowl contenders; Denver's secondary injuries to Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss could create high-scoring gamescripts. Waddle had success against the Chargers last year (6 catches, 95 yards as a Dolphin). If acquired at WR3 value, he represents strong upside.PositiveValueOct 7, 2026
Ranked #22 among wide receivers in rest-of-season trade value with a HALFPPR value of 33 in the source's trade value chart, representing lower-mid-tier asset status for trade discussions.NegativeProjectionOct 6, 2026
Jaylen Waddle ranks twenty-fourth-lowest in winning percentage at 47.55% through four weeks for the Broncos.NegativeBustOct 1, 2026
Waddle is noted as a Top-50 draft pick who has disappointed through three weeks, though he has remained mostly playable compared to the deeper underperformers outside the Top-50.NegativeProjectionOct 1, 2026
Waddle has had one good outing and two horrendous ones. The source expects his bad games should soon be in the 40–50 yard range rather than 5–10 yard range, while the good games will more than make up for it and keep him locked in as a WR2.PositiveProjectionSep 30, 2026
Ranked 48th overall in Week 4 Flex rankings by USA TODAY Sports Fantasy projections using half-point PPR scoring; classified as a Tier 2 confidence pick.NegativeValueSep 30, 2026
Ranked #23 among all wide receivers in rest-of-season trade value with a HALFPPR value of 33, tied with Rashee Rice for lower-tier trade asset status.NegativeUsageSep 28, 2026
Jaylen Waddle saw seven targets but caught just two for 10 yards in Week 3, continuing a yo-yo start to the season (non-existent Week 1, entire offense Week 2). The source identifies a route-running problem: Waddle has a career-low 38.2% of routes in-breaking and 17.1% deep (second-highest of his career), getting the Marvin Harrison Jr. treatment that hasn't worked in two of three weeks. Waddle averages 2.9 yards per route run on in-breaking routes and 1.4 YPRR on every other route, compared to his Miami career averages of 2.7 and 1.9 respectively. The source warns that if Denver's offensive minds don't utilize Waddle where he's best—tearing up the intermediate middle—he'll be extremely frustrating for fantasy.PositiveProjectionSep 27, 2026
Jaylen Waddle shined in Week 2 for the Broncos as Denver's new wideout, recording 138 receiving yards in a 20-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. His performance provided a much-needed offensive boost for quarterback Bo Nix.PositiveUsageSep 24, 2026
Waddle was schemed up often in Week 1 review and the Dolphins doubled down in Week 2. He had two targets, two quick outs, three targets off at-snap motion, one designed deep shot on a post route tied to a Bo Nix rollout, and other targets. Coach Sean Payton said it was their goal to have no excuses in not getting him the ball. Waddle's 10 targets and 14.3 expected half PPR points from Week 2 (WR12) seem like the "real" baseline for Waddle, not Week 1's output.PositiveProjectionSep 24, 2026
Ranked 46th overall in Week 3 Flex rankings by projected fantasy points in half-point PPR scoring; listed as a Tier 2 confidence pick.NegativeProjectionSep 22, 2026
Waddle was a panic meter concern coming out of Week 1 with a 3/5 score; the source does not provide updated Week 2 analysis, indicating he may have stabilized or fallen out of the panic conversation.PositiveProjectionSep 22, 2026
Jaylen Waddle was one of Matt Harmon's favorite preseason picks and delivered strong production in Week 2, helping Harmon improve to 2-0 on the season.PositiveUsageSep 22, 2026
Jaylen Waddle was mostly invisible in Week 1 with just 2 yards but had 138 yards in Week 2 against Jacksonville; the source notes he won't go off like that every week, but that production should be closer to his normal output, suggesting the Broncos have figured out how to get him involved in the offense.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
After a disappointing 2-yard Week 1, Waddle rebounded with 8 catches for 138 yards on 10 targets against Jacksonville, targeted on 42% of his routes. He snagged a 49-yard catch that landed him on the one-yard line, inches away from 6 additional fantasy points. Waddle's back in WR2 range after what will likely be remembered as an aberrant Week 1 performance.PositiveProjectionSep 18, 2026
Ranked in the top tier of Week 2 WR rankings by Yahoo Fantasy Football analysts, indicating strong projected performance for the week.PositiveUsageSep 17, 2026
Game plan prioritized Waddle with multiple route types (choice routes, screens, switch releases, slot work at 59% of snaps, third-and-7 slants). Broncos ranked first in neutral pass rate (72%), so uptick in routes for Waddle should be a real thing going forward.PositiveUsageSep 17, 2026
Waddle flopped in Week 1 with an 11% target share and 13 air yards. A potential long-term thorn is second-year WR Pat Bryant's 22% target share; if there are three real weapons at WR, it's harder to make the math work. However, the tape showed a lot more schemed-up opportunities for Waddle than what the box score showed. Bo Nix turned down a swing pass, corner route and pick-wheel in the first half alone. They gave him a route out of the backfield, a third-and-4 choice route, a screen, plenty of switch releases, work out of the slot (59% of snaps), a third-and-7 slant (dropped) and more. The game plan seemed to prioritize Waddle more than Nix allowed; it was more of a QB and C/RB/TE blocking thing than a scheme thing. The Broncos were first in neutral pass rate (72%), so the uptick in routes for Waddle should be a real thing.NegativeBustSep 17, 2026
The source raises concern about Jaylen Waddle's slow start to the season, questioning whether it warrants panic and suggesting potential downside risk.NegativeProjectionSep 17, 2026
Waddle had a Week 1 no-show, but the source compares this to Colston Loveland's similar performance and notes that such games are not going to happen too often; fantasy managers just have to move on.NegativeValueSep 16, 2026
Ranked 25th among wide receivers in rest-of-season trade value with a HALFPPR value of 30.PositiveRoleSep 16, 2026
Waddle took slot duties (60.1% slot snap rate in his rookie 1,000-yard season in Miami) with a receiving aDOT of 4.0 air yards, pairing well with Bo Nix's fifth-ranked EPA per dropback on short-area throws in 2025. However, his debut was disappointing: he had a key drop on third-and-7 in an island game, and his target total ranked fifth among Denver pass-catchers—behind four other receivers, an RB, and a TE. The Broncos' backup TE (University of Dayton's finest) matched his target count. Neither Nix nor Davis Webb had answers for DC Steve Spagnuolo's defense; Nix was under duress on 45.5% of dropbacks. Without a lesser opponent until Carolina in Week 9, the source recommends looking to other options or trading for reinforcements if you roster Waddle.NegativeBustSep 16, 2026
Jaylen Waddle, believed to be a fantasy star heading into Week 1, posted a dud performance. The source suggests that if blocking issues continue along Denver's interior offensive line, Waddle should be considered a lower-ceiling play, as the Broncos allowed Bo Nix to be pressured 17 times against the Chiefs in Week 1.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Ranked 14th among Week 2 wide receivers by the source, facing Denver vs. Jacksonville.PositiveRoleSep 14, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is a new receiving weapon for the Denver Broncos, acquired this offseason in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, and will be available for Bo Nix in Week 1.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
Jaylen Waddle was brought in to lead the Broncos' receiver room, but the source remains a believer in Courtland Sutton as a touchdown scorer and terrific boundary player.PositiveValueSep 9, 2026
Joel Smyth projects Jaylen Waddle to finally fix his fantasy perception in 2026. Waddle has been viewed as a disappointment, finishing outside the top-20 fantasy WRs in PPG for three straight seasons in Miami and leaving several games due to smaller injuries. His ADP has dropped to WR21 in consensus. However, Sean Payton and the Broncos paid a hefty price—draft capital and $29M per year—to hand-select their WR1. Waddle is the clear WR1 on a team whose QB led the league in passing attempts. The Broncos ranked seventh in team WR fantasy points last season despite limited WR talent; two WRs ranked inside the top-8 in red-zone targets (only team to do so), and Sutton ranked top-5 in routes and 15th in fantasy PPG. That passing offense just acquired Waddle as their next WR1.PositiveBreakoutSep 4, 2026
Matt Harmon has ranked Waddle as his WR12 or 13 and a top-30 overall player since the NFL Draft closed. While granting Waddle's frustrating injury history, Harmon sees it as the only hole in his profile. Waddle ranks 18th in yards per route run and 13th in first-down per route over the last three seasons. He didn't pop off last year without Tyreek Hill for most of the year because Miami ranked 30th in neutral dropback rate and 32nd in plays per game; Denver ranks sixth and fifth, providing much more raw opportunity and a QB upgrade. Critically, Waddle has long played out of position as an outside on-ball receiver in Miami to accommodate other players. Going to Denver with Courtland Sutton as the X-receiver and Pat Bryant emerging as the big on-ball slot, Waddle will play a movement Z-role for the first time in years—a game-changer. He'll run more breaking routes and get layups off the line. Harmon projects Waddle as a Round 4 pick returning WR1 value.PositiveValueSep 3, 2026
Waddle is positioned as an alpha receiver target at a third-round ADP; the source believes this is his year to finally become an elite wideout and the cost represents strong value given Miami's offensive investment in him.PositiveProjectionSep 3, 2026
The Broncos led the NFL in pass attempts last year and then spent first and third-round picks to acquire Waddle as an established wide receiver. The game-plan is built around the pass and will run through the wideout they mortgaged the future for. This is Waddle's year to finally become an alpha receiver, and at only a third-round pick cost, it's a strong bet.PositiveProjectionSep 3, 2026
Matt Harmon's favorite Round 4 pick; role dramatically improving with more snaps in motion, off-ball, and heavier diet of layup targets. Ranks eighth in first downs per route run among WRs with 200+ routes, 12th in yards per route, and 11th in successful targets per route. Broncos offense was fifth in plays per game (vs. Dolphins dead last). Quarterback upgrade and scheme change position Waddle as potential top-10 receiver from this draft range.PositiveValueSep 3, 2026
Jaylen Waddle ranks right next to Tee Higgins in Joel Smyth's positional and big board rankings; Smyth prefers Waddle in PPR formats and considers both great picks for the early fourth round.PositiveProjectionSep 2, 2026
JJ Zachariason selected Jaylen Waddle as one of two upside WRs prioritized in the mock draft. Matt Harmon and Ray Garvin are cited as analysts who favor Waddle for 2026; Garvin has him among wideouts who can make the jump to elite status, while Harmon featured him in his WR position preview. Zachariason notes Waddle is in his prime and should be the WR1 on Denver, an elite offense, and if everything clicks, he loves the Waddle-McConkey duo as starters all season.PositiveRoleSep 2, 2026
The Broncos added Jaylen Waddle, described as a young and efficient WR, which takes shine off Courtland Sutton's role. The source suggests Waddle's addition will cloud Sutton's fantasy outlook in 2026.PositiveValueSep 1, 2026
The source mentions Jaylen Waddle in the context of pairing with Bo Nix, noting that with Waddle, Nix is one of the safer late-round QB options in 2026. This suggests the source views Waddle as a reliable WR option that complements Nix's value.NegativeValueSep 1, 2026
The source identifies Waddle as a risky Round 4 option, noting he is on a new team, creating uncertainty around his role and fit compared to safer alternatives like Javonte Williams.PositiveRoleSep 1, 2026
Matt Harmon notes that Jaylen Waddle joins the Broncos in 2026 alongside new OC Davis Webb's promotion, which should help young QB Bo Nix take the next step in his development.NegativeValueAug 31, 2026
The source identifies Waddle as part of a terrific tier of wide receivers in Round 4 but prefers Zay Flowers ahead of him and other options like Tee Higgins, Rashee Rice, and Tetairoa McMillan. Waddle was also acquired by the Broncos to be Bo Nix's No. 1 receiver.NegativeDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
Waddle was held out of uniform for the final preseason game, indicating he is locked into the starting WR role and will not see preseason snaps.PositiveValueAug 28, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is called out as a top value in the early and middle rounds versus current ADP, alongside Malik Nabers, Jameson Williams, and Rome Odunze. The source suggests these WRs offer better value than their current draft position reflects.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
Waddle was acquired via trade by Denver in the 2026 offseason as part of the Broncos' continuity-focused roster construction; he represents one of the few outside additions to a team loaded with quality starters.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
Jaylen Waddle was acquired by the Denver Broncos as a legit No. 1 target for QB Bo Nix, part of an offensive overhaul that injects tempo and deeper strikes into the mix under new offensive coordinator Davis Webb.PositiveProjectionAug 26, 2026
Waddle ranks eighth in first downs per route run among WRs with 200-plus routes last season, 12th in yards per route, and 11th in successful targets per route. He is an excellent full-field separator who gets open and makes plays with the ball in his hands, verifiably great at football by any stat.PositiveRoleAug 26, 2026
Waddle is in line for a massive role shift in Denver; the source expects him to play a role much better suited to his skills than the heavy outside, on-ball diet he enjoyed in Miami. This role change is expected to push Bo Nix to the next level, similar to how Stefon Diggs elevated Josh Allen with the Bills.PositiveRoleAug 26, 2026
Waddle's charted snaps in Reception Perception from 2022-2024 show 77% outside and 81% on-ball usage. His 2025 snaps show 83.9% outside, indicating a continued heavy boundary diet in Miami. In Denver, the source expects Waddle to play a role much better suited to his skills than this heavy outside, on-ball diet, representing a massive role shift.PositiveProjectionAug 26, 2026
By any stat, Waddle is clearly a great receiver, ranking eighth in first downs per route run among WRs with 200-plus routes last season, 12th in yards per route, and 11th in successful targets per route. He's an excellent full-field separator who gets open and makes plays with the ball in his hands. He'll play a role much better suited to his skills than the heavy outside, on-ball diet he enjoyed in Miami. Waddle is in line for a massive role shift in Denver.PositiveProjectionAug 26, 2026
The Broncos offense ranked fourth in success rate but 21st in explosive play rate last season. Waddle is in the fold to address that latter figure. The source is banking on Waddle having a diet version of a Stefon Diggs-like effect for Bo Nix, just as Diggs had on Josh Allen. Nix has been a solid quarterback, ranking 17th in EPA per play last year, but Waddle will push him to the next level.NegativeUsageAug 26, 2026
When Waddle was on the field for Miami last year without Tyreek Hill, he was targeted on 26.7% of his routes and owned a 31% share of the Dolphins offense. The source doesn't doubt Waddle's ability to command and dominate targets but in a Denver offense with an established quality X-receiver in Courtland Sutton and quality ancillary pass-catchers, that massive north-of-26% target share may not be realistic, though the source won't rule it out completely.PositiveBreakoutAug 25, 2026
Waddle is identified as a trendy breakout candidate for 2026 and appears on multiple rosters in the mock series. Matt Harmon's Draft Day Blueprint specifically names Waddle as the one player he is leaving every draft with in 2026. As the Broncos' top wideout, Waddle offers positional flexibility with ceiling to be a WR1 in RB-heavy builds or flex/WR3 in deeper formats. The source landed him in the third round as WR2 in this mock.PositiveUsageAug 21, 2026
Waddle beat his man against a blitz look on a crosser for an explosive play in preseason Week 2, showing continued involvement in the Broncos' passing game.PositiveUsageAug 21, 2026
Broncos WR played in key 2-WR sets alongside Courtland Sutton on Friday preseason. Beat his man against a blitz look on a crosser for an explosive play, confirming his role as a primary target for Bo Nix.NegativeValueAug 20, 2026
Waddle is mentioned as a trendy mid-round WR name in 2026 drafts, part of a cohort of players (including Emeka Egbuka, Ladd McConkey, and Luther Burden III) being chased as potential breakout candidates following Jaxon Smith-Njigba's ascension to the top of WR ranks in 2025. The source does not provide specific analysis or a stance on Waddle.PositiveBreakoutAug 19, 2026
Waddle is a popular target for most Yahoo analysts, including Harmon, who has the new Broncos WR as his 'One player he won't leave a draft without' this season. The source expects a similar scenario to George Pickens' change-of-scenery boost last year, with Waddle in Denver alongside Nix and Sean Payton.PositiveBreakoutAug 19, 2026
Waddle, a talented wideout in his prime (turns 28 in November), was acquired by Denver via trade including a first-round pick, signaling he'll be featured as the No. 1 receiver in a quality offense with better quarterback play. The Broncos had the fourth most pass attempts (613) in 2025 versus Miami's third-lowest (479), positioning Waddle for a target increase. As Bo Nix's favorite target, Waddle will not require an injury to open up opportunities like Pickens experienced in Dallas. The source expects Waddle to be a player fantasy managers wish they drafted more of after the season.PositiveProjectionAug 19, 2026
Waddle is positioned as this season's version of George Pickens — a talented receiver moving from a low-volume passing attack to a high-volume one with a better quarterback. Pickens was WR6 in fppg in his debut season with Dallas after joining from Pittsburgh. Waddle managed WR28 stats on a struggling Dolphins team last year but produced over 1,000 yards in each of his first three campaigns (WR17, WR11, WR22 finishes). The Broncos paid a premium to acquire him including a first-round pick, signaling he'll be featured as the No. 1 receiver. He'll be Bo Nix's favorite target in Denver's high-volume passing attack (613 pass attempts in 2025 vs. Miami's 479), and the source expects Waddle to be a player managers wish they drafted more of after the season.