Evan Engram entered the 2024 season as the Denver Broncos’ leading tight end, but the team’s roster moves and coaching philosophy have kept his fantasy upside in check. The coaching staff has repeatedly emphasized a balanced offense, and Engram’s role reflects that strategy.
Last season he caught 50 passes on 76 targets, which placed him 15th among tight ends in the league. While the raw numbers look respectable, the context is crucial: Engram never played more than 60% of the offense’s snaps in any single game, underscoring a situational usage pattern rather than a full‑time starter role.
A Limited Role in Denver
The Broncos’ tight ends rank dead last in targets since Sean Payton took over in 2023, a statistic that highlights the scarcity of opportunities at the position. Adding to the competition, rookie Justin Joly brings a bigger backup receiving threat than the previous year, further compressing Engram’s chances for consistent volume.
Historically, only two tight ends — Ben Watson and Jared Cook — have posted top‑12 numbers under Payton’s 18‑year head‑coaching career. This scarcity of proven production suggests that even a modest increase in targets would be a significant outlier for Engram.
The Outlook for Fantasy Managers
Given the combination of low target share, limited snap percentage, and a deepening depth chart, the author is not optimistic about Engram’s fantasy value for the upcoming season. While he remains the top tight end on the roster, the statistical ceiling appears capped, making him a risky play in most fantasy formats.