The 2026 fantasy football conversation is already pivoting around the Denver Broncos' wide receiver corps, where the arrival of Jaylen Waddle has sparked a heated debate over who will emerge as the team's third‑wide option.
Troy Franklin entered the conversation with a breakout 2025 season that saw him haul in 65 receptions for 709 yards and six touchdowns, a dramatic jump from his rookie numbers and a performance highlighted by a six‑catch, 89‑yard, two‑score outing against the Dallas Cowboys.
Pat Bryant, by contrast, managed 31 catches for 378 yards and a single touchdown in his rookie year, and while he has generated buzz, his on‑field impact has been modest, especially when measured against Franklin's surge.
Waddle himself proved he can still produce at a high level, posting 64 receptions for 910 yards and six scores in 2025, building on a 744‑yard campaign the previous season, which suggests he will immediately command a sizable share of targets.
The Broncos' offensive identity also hinges on a heavy passing approach; in 2025 they averaged 36.3 attempts per game and posted a 4‑1 record in contests with 40 or more throws, a trend that could further erode the target pool for any single receiver.
Implications for Draft Strategy
Fantasy analysts caution that locking either Franklin or Bryant into the WR3 slot may not be wise, recommending instead that owners treat them as potential waiver‑wire pickups or streaming options until the target distribution clarifies.
The return of running back J.K. Dobbins, who finished the 2025 season with 772 rushing yards and four touchdowns before a Week 10 injury, adds another layer of complexity, as a more balanced attack could further diffuse passing opportunities.