The Broncos erupted for 44 points last week and now head into what looks like an easier matchup against a struggling Texans squad. Denver’s offense is heating up, and several fantasy starters are becoming weekly locks. Houston’s offense, on the other hand, has some value, but tread carefully.
🔥 Quick Start Table
| Player | Team | Start/Sit | Confidence Meter | Projected Stat Line |
| Bo Nix (QB) | DEN | ✅ Start | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 22/31, 245 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| JK Dobbins (RB) | DEN | ✅ Start | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 18 CAR, 94 YDS, 1 TD, 3 REC, 20 YDS |
| Courtland Sutton (WR) | DEN | ✅ Start | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 6 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD |
| RJ Harvey (RB) | DEN | ✅ Start | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 11 CAR, 60 YDS, 1 TD, 3 REC, 35 YDS |
| Troy Franklin (WR) | DEN | ✅ Start | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 REC, 52 YDS, 1 TD |
| Evan Engram (TE) | DEN | 💤 Sleeper | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 REC, 46 YDS |
| Woody Marks (RB) | HOU | 💪 Flex | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 9 CAR, 40 YDS, 3 REC, 18 YDS |
| Nick Chubb (RB) | HOU | 💪 Flex | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 11 CAR, 54 YDS, 1 TD |
| Jaylin Noel (WR) | HOU | 💪 Start | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 6 REC, 70 YDS |
| Xavier Hutchinson (WR) | HOU | 💪 Flex | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 REC, 78 YDS, 1 TD |
| Dalton Schultz (TE) | HOU | 🚫 Sit | ⭐️⭐️ | 2 REC, 19 YDS |
| Texans Defense | HOU | 🚫 Sit | ⭐️ | 28+ PTS ALLOWED |
🔍 Player Analysis: Denver Broncos
Bo Nix – QB (Start)
Nix exploded for 4 touchdowns last week, showcasing confidence and control of the offense. Against a Texans defense that’s struggled to pressure the quarterback, Nix should stay hot. Expect another multi-touchdown day.
Projected: 240+ yards, 2 TDs
JK Dobbins – RB (Start)
Dobbins continues to look like the workhorse Denver envisioned. He racks up yards after contact and has been steady near the goal line. If he punches in a score, he’s a strong RB2 play.
Projected: 90–100 total yards, 1 TD
Courtland Sutton – WR (Start)
Sutton remains the clear-cut WR1 even with multiple mouths to feed. He’s averaged 6+ catches per game over the last two weeks and should see steady volume again.
Projected: 70–75 yards, 1 TD
RJ Harvey – RB (Start)
After scoring three touchdowns last week, Harvey is carving out a defined flex role. His explosiveness and red-zone presence make him hard to bench.
Projected: 90 total yards, 1 TD
Week 9 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Debate: Troy Franklin Vs. Kayshon Boutte Ethan Hutton via SI.com
Troy Franklin – WR (Start)
Franklin’s speed and chemistry with Nix are becoming a weapon. While volume is modest, he’s always a threat to score.
Projected: 50+ yards, 1 TD
Evan Engram – TE (Sleeper)
Engram caught all 4 of his targets last week and has seen consistent involvement over the past two games. In a game where Denver could control the clock, he’s a sneaky TE2 option.
Projected: 45–50 yards
Houston Texans
Woody Marks & Nick Chubb – RBs (Flex)
The Texans’ backfield is a split committee, but both backs have touchdown upside. If Houston gets into the red zone, either could capitalize — though neither offers a safe floor.
Projected: 40–60 total yards each, possible TD from Chubb
Texans’ C.J. Stroud Highlights Rookie WR Helping Rising Offense- Keith Cummings via SI.com
Jaylin Noel – WR (Start)
Noel is earning steady volume with 6–7 targets per game, making him a reliable PPR flex. With the Texans likely playing from behind, expect another busy day through the air.
Projected: 70 yards, 6 catches
Xavier Hutchinson – WR (Flex)
Hutchinson has 3 touchdowns on the year and continues to see red-zone looks. If the Texans’ offense finds rhythm, he’s the one most likely to benefit.
Projected: 75–80 yards, 1 TD
Dalton Schultz – TE (Sit)
Schultz has cooled off and faces a Denver defense that just blanked Jake Ferguson. He’s too touchdown-dependent to trust this week.
Projected: 20 yards, 0 TD
Texans Defense – Sit
Denver’s offense is rolling, and starting Houston’s D/ST would be fantasy sabotage. They’re not playable this week, even in deeper leagues.
Projected: 28+ points allowed, 1 sack
🏁 Final Take
The Broncos’ offense is on fire, and fantasy managers should continue to ride that wave. Bo Nix, JK Dobbins, and Courtland Sutton are all must-starts, while RJ Harvey and Troy Franklin offer excellent flex appeal.
For Houston, you’re mostly looking at flex options in garbage time. Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson have the best shot at relevance, but otherwise, temper expectations.
Expect Denver to stay hot and roll comfortably in this one.
