The Denver Broncos survived a shaky outing against Washington last week, and you can bet Sean Payton isn’t letting his team walk into another slow start, especially not against a divisional rival. The Raiders, meanwhile, are fighting to regain their footing as inconsistency continues to define their season.
This matchup is loaded with fantasy intrigue on both sides, so let’s break down who belongs in your lineup and who should be riding the bench.
START ’EM — DENVER BRONCOS
Start: Bo Nix, QB
Nix continues to show poise and rhythm, and with his full arsenal of weapons healthy, he’s primed for a multi-touchdown game. The Raiders have been vulnerable to efficient passers, and Nix fits that mold perfectly. A strong QB1 play this week.
Start: RJ Harvey, RB
Harvey is flashing superstar traits: burst, vision, balance, all of it. You can clearly see the future RB1 upside brewing. Even in a split or game-plan-adjusted workload, he’s explosive enough to start every week. Lock him in confidently.
Start: Courtland Sutton, WR
Sutton found the end zone again last week, and the momentum is real. Teammates producing around him have created softer coverage, and he’s capitalizing. Strong WR2 with TD upside.
Flex: Pat Bryant, WR
Bryant is getting a ton of targets, and Denver loves using his big frame vertically and in contested situations. He’s physical, reliable, and trending upward. He’s a power flex with real breakout potential this week.
Start: Evan Engram, TE
Engram strung together a solid performance last week, and his usage suggests it wasn’t a fluke. Short-area volume, red-zone looks, and consistent involvement make him a safe TE1 start again.
START ’EM — LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Start: Ashton Jeanty, RB
Jeanty’s passing-game involvement is what elevates him. Even if the ground game stalls, his receptions provide a steady floor. A smart play in PPR formats and a strong RB2/Flex overall.
Start: Brock Bowers, WR
Bowers is the WR1 in this offense, no question. When healthy, he’s a weekly starter thanks to his athletic mismatch potential. Expect steady volume and splash-play upside.
SIT ’EM
Sit: Troy Franklin, WR (Broncos)
Franklin has faded recently as other weapons step up. His targets and production just aren’t supporting fantasy value. Sit him until his role stabilizes.
Sit: Geno Smith, QB (Raiders)
This is not the matchup you want for Geno. Denver’s secondary is locking in, and Smith hasn’t shown the consistency needed to start against a defense with this much range and closing speed. Avoid him this week.
Sit: Tre Tucker, Raiders WR
Tucker faces a tough matchup against Denver’s secondary, which has shut down field-stretchers all season. He’s too risky to play in any format.
Sit: Raiders Defense
Way too many points given up recently, and now they face an offense with rhythm and multiple weapons. This is a firm sit.
Final Takeaway
Denver wants to prove last week’s slow start was a fluke, and the matchup plays right into their hands. Bo Nix, Sutton, and Harvey are strong fantasy plays, while Las Vegas leans on Engram, Jeanty, and their rising star Brock Bowers to keep the game competitive.
Expect an aggressive Broncos offense, a few big plays from each side, and a game that could swing fantasy matchups late.
