WR · DEN · 27 yrs · exp 5 · Alabama
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Latest: May 22, 2026 · 4,871
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The San Francisco 49ers' 2026 schedule features several high-profile matchups, including two international games and numerous contests against playoff contenders. Key games highlighted include a Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia, and a Week 4 home game against the Denver Broncos, who have bolstered their offense with the addition of Jaylen Waddle
Malik Willis commented on the Dolphins trading Jaylen Waddle shortly after Willis signed, stating it was unfortunate as he would have liked to play with Waddle, but acknowledged it was out of his hands. Willis is now focused on building chemistry with current receivers like Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert
Malik Washington is a buy-low option in dynasty trades due to his expected volume and relatively low price
Amid a near-total teardown and early-stage rebuild of their roster this offseason, the Dolphins ensured at least one of their cornerstones isn't going anywhere by agreeing to a four-year, $64 million extension with De'Von Achane last week, per CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones . It was a "put your money where your mouth is" situation. The Dolphins had already traded away both Jaylen Waddle ( Broncos ) and Minkah Fitzpatrick ( Jets ) by the time new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan said unequivocally last month Achane wasn't available for trade . Now, Achane has one of the largest contracts at his position. De'Von Achane Extension RB Rank Behind ... Total value $64M 1st N/A Average annual value $16M 3rd Saquon Barkley , Christian McCaffrey Guaranteed money $32M 4th Jeremiyah Love , Barkley, Ashton Jeanty The electrifying 24-year-old registered 1,838 yards from scrimmage last year, sixth in the NFL . His 5.7 yards per carry and 13.4% explosive rush rate were both highest in the league, too. Despite standing just 5-foot-9 and weighing just 191 pounds, Achane played in 16 games last year and recorded a career-high 304 touches, including a team-high 67 catches. The year before, he played in all 17 games and had 281 touches, including 78 catches, showing he's much more than the position name "running back" suggests. He's not alone in that designation, even in his own draft. The 2023 class as a whole, like all classes, had notable busts and notable hits, like Achane, who was a third-round selection. But the running back crop has been excellent, with first-rounders Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs ascending to superstar status, Achane on the precipice and fifth-rounder Chase Brown coming off his best season. Achane's extension brings the focus squarely on what Robinson and Gibbs could fetch this offseason. Because they were first-round picks, they have a fifth-year option on the contract, and the Falcons and Lions , respectively, exercised those options . ESPN's Adam Schefter has said that a Robinson extension should be coming this offseason. Two stars of Robinson's caliber in the 2023 draft class -- Will Anderson Jr . ( Texans ) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba ( Seahawks ) have gotten record-setting extensions already, in fact. Things are a bit more complicated in Gibbs' situation given the team's tight finances , ESPN's Eric Woodyard wrote in February. Gibbs is tied to Detroit for the next two seasons, but a second contract might not come this offseason. After all, the Lions decided against exercising All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell's fifth-year option due to the looming cap realities. The counting numbers make it easy to see why the Falcons and Lions would want to keep Robinson and Gibbs, respectively. NFL ranks -- last 2 seasons Robinson Gibbs Yards from scrimmage 1st 3rd Touchdowns scored 8th 1st Plays of 10+ yards (among RBs) 1st 2nd That last line is crucial. In recent years, NFL defenses have focused on taking away big plays downfield. That makes players who can turn a short gain into a big one even more valuable. Robinson and Gibbs fit that description to a T. Over the past two years, Robinson has 202 tackles avoided, by far the most in the NFL. Gibbs is second with 162. Only one other player, Kenneth Walker III (who, not coincidentally, also got a nice pay day this offseason), is over 150. It's not just volume, either. Gibbs is tied with Achane for the highest explosive play rate in the NFL over the last two seasons; Robinson is ninth. Age is also on their sides. Robinson and Gibbs are both 24, and neither turns 25 until after the upcoming season. The NFL is obsessed with every data point, and especially age when it comes to running backs. Other top-paid running backs, such as Barkley, McCaffrey and Derrick Henry , were older when they signed their most recent contracts. This offseason, Achane and Breece Hall both got significant extensions in which their age was an advantage. Robinson seems more li [... truncated ...]
Cameron Ross, a wide receiver from Virginia, is a developmental prospect for the Broncos practice squad due to the team's depth at the position. Despite a challenging collegiate career with injuries, Ross possesses speed, yards-after-catch ability, and return skills that make him an intriguing option for the practice squad
At the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos agreed to terms with a total of 13 undrafted free agents to go along with their seven draft picks. One of those undrafted free agents was TCU wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV. Manjack IV is a 6-2, 197-pound wide receiver with 4.51 speed and a 36.5-inch vertical jump who started his college career at USC before playing at Houston for three seasons and then this past year at TCU. During his college career, he appeared in 50 games and totaled 134 receptions for 1,732 yards and 13 touchdowns. This past year for TCU, Manjack IV appeared in 13 games and totaled 44 receptions for 579 yards and 3 touchdowns. Now, he joins a loaded Broncos wide receiver room where he has very low odds of cracking the 53-man roster. The reality of the situation is that he is competing with veterans Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy for a spot on their 16-man practice squad, and history shows that those two will be tough to replace. Sean Payton and the Broncos coaching staff trust those two, and they are the current favorites to be the wide receivers on the Broncos’ practice squad. Joseph Manjack IV | Wide Receiver | Denver Broncos Height: 6-2 Weight: 197 pounds Arm Length: 31 1/4 inches Hand Size: 9 1/8 inches Experience: Rookie 40-time: 4.51 seconds Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches Short Shuttle: 4.15 seconds 3-Cone Drill: 6.84 seconds Bench Press: 9 reps The reality of the situation is that it’s going to be tough for him to stick around. Looking at the roster currently, Jaylen Waddle , Courtland Sutton , Marvin Mims , Troy Franklin , and Pat Bryant are locked into roster spots. After that, Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy have been the veteran depth on the roster for multiple years now. Many UDFA wide receivers have come and gone, while these veterans have stuck around. Forget the 53-man because that’s highly unlikely. Manjack IV and the rest of the Broncos undrafted rookies will be competing with Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy for a spot on the Broncos 16-man practice squad. Those two have the clear edge because they know the offense and have the trust of the coaching staff. Hell, LJH made a key play in the Broncos Divisional Round victory over the Bills, and Bandy scored a touchdown during their victory over the Packers late in the year. Taking either of these spots on the team will be difficult. Manjack IV will need to show he can be a trusted wide receiver and contribute in other ways on the team. LJH is known for his blocking and has made some key plays for the team as a wide receiver. Bandy is your prototypical slot receiver who is a savvy route runner who can contribute as a returner as well. Manjack IV will likely need to show he can be a reliable wide receiver, route runner, and special teamer if he wants to make the team. It will be tough, but Manjack IV does have traits that Sean Payton typically looks for in a player. He’s sure-handed, known for his blocking, has decent size, and has the character/work ethic they value. It will be tough, but Manjack IV will have the opportunity to impress the Broncos coaches throughout the offseason and during training camp and preseason. It will be tough for Manjack IV or any of the undrafted wide receivers the Broncos signed to stick around. Barring multiple injuries or surprise trades, there really isn’t a spot on the 53-man roster for them, and as I mentioned, Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy will be tough to replace as the preferred depth options. Manjack IV will need to have a strong summer if he wants to stick around. Obviously, making plays as a wide receiver helps, but his ability to block and contribute on special teams might be more important for him. Being able to contribute in multiple ways will significantly improve his chances of making the practice squad and force the Broncos to find a way to keep him. It will be tough, but not impossible. Manjack IV has the traits the team typically likes in a pla [... truncated ...]
Troy Franklin's playing time may be reduced in Denver due to the team's offseason acquisition of Jaylen Waddle
The Denver Broncos have released their 2026 schedule, featuring key matchups at Empower Field at Mile High. Quarterback Bo Nix and the team aim to build on last season's success and make a third consecutive playoff appearance, with notable home games against the Rams, Seahawks, Chiefs, Bills, and Chargers. General Manager George Paton has also bolstered the roster by acquiring wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and re-signing players like J.K. Dobbins and Alex Singleton
The 2026 'Monday Night Football' schedule features several high-profile matchups, including the Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams. Patrick Mahomes is expected to make his return from injury in the season opener, while Bo Nix will debut with new weapon Jaylen Waddle for the Broncos
The NFL schedule has officially been released, but the focus for New England Patriots has remained centered on the offseason program as OTAs are less than two weeks away. So, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag. What is the game youre most looking forward to on the Patriots schedule? – Mike W. It’s tough to top the Super Bowl rematch right out of the gate, especially in the Seattle environment. While it will be a challenging one for the Patriots, they should fare much better than they did three months ago with the upgrades the’ve made this offseason. Other playoff rematches against the Broncos, who made a big swing this offseason by acquiring Jaylen Waddle , and the Chargers, who should be healthier and now have Mike McDaniel coordinating the offense, should make for great primetime matchups. And any Drake Maye vs. Caleb Williams game (along with Mike Vrabel vs. Ben Johnson) should be a fun watch, although hopefully it’s not hurt by being on Thursday Night Football. Are there any anticipated schematic shifts given the additions/losses personnel wise for the Patriots ie; loss of Tonga, addition of Byard, loss of Diggs, addition of AVT (plus the likely addition of AJ Brown)? – LandenPatz1 The biggest change appears to be on offense. Dating back to last season, New England has remodeled its offensive line with a focus on adding athleticism (Campbell, Wilson, AVT, Lomu). With Drake Maye at quarterback, the goal is to prioritize pass protection while also becoming more athletic up front to move the pocket, operate bootlegs, etc. That shift could also lead to an increased emphasis on a zone run game, which in turn opens up play-action and those bootleg concepts. Additions such as Reggie Gilliam and Julian Hill — both strong blockers on the move and at the second level — would further support that transition. It looks to me we want to run much more often based on free agency signed players and even draft picks. It should open the passing game if it is efficient. WYT ? – 7i165 Running the football more consistently is a clear point of emphasis this season. Speaking at the NFL League Meetings this offseason, Mike Vrabel noted the team’s ability to generate explosive runs but also its struggles with efficiency on the ground. Eliot Wolf also said several offseason additions were made intentionally to improve the rushing attack. Staying ahead of the chains and improving their short-yardage efficiency should make life easier for Drake Maye and the offense, while also enhancing their play-action pass game. I can’t help but wonder whether Henderson will make a major jump this year. It seems to me the shift to a more mobile OL is all about getting him space. What do you think his season will look like? – ed.liebfried Last season, Henderson seemed to be the definition of home-run or bust in the running game. The offseason additions should benefit him, along with the potential shift toward more zone concepts. After struggling down the stretch last season, hopefully things slow down mentally for the speedster to find more consistency moving forward — additionally in terms of a pass blocker in order to get on the field in passing situations. Has the pass rush been upgraded? – wrw921 The team believes Dre’Mont Jones is an upgrade over K’Lavon Chaisson . Add in second-round rookie Gabe Jacas , who projects to make an immediate impact, and that should lead to an improved unit. Time will also tell how Harold Landry recovers from a knee injury that derailed a strong start to last season. Game of upgrade, downgrade, or potential to be an upgrade – sjamesbossports Most of the rookies will probably fall in the “potential” category, but here we go: Alijah Vera-Tucker over Garrett Bradb ury: Upgrade A.J. Brown over Stefon Diggs : Upgrade Romeo Doubs over DeMario Douglas : Upgrade Eli Raridon over AustinHooper: Potential to be an upgrade Caleb Lomu over Thayer Munford Jr: Upgrade Reggie Gilliam over Jack Westover : Upgrade [... truncated ...]
The Denver Broncos face a challenging 2026 schedule, highlighted by five prime-time games and a stretch of five consecutive playoff teams. Early predictions suggest a strong start, with potential wins against the Chiefs, Dolphins, Rams, and 49ers, but a predicted loss to the Chargers
All 32 NFL schedules will be released this evening at the same time. Obviously, this offseason event is a bigger deal for Chargers fans than most other franchise because, well, the Bolts’ social media team is just the best in the league. No contest. It’s always must-see art when the schedule release comes around for the Chargers and this year should be no different. Before we finally get to see the road to the 2026 playoffs, let’s take a look at the five biggest matchups for the Chargers. This is always the biggest matchup on the schedule. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. The year goes the way of the outcome of this game. If the Chargers win, the year is already mostly a success. If they don’t it sure feels a bit bummed down knowing they still are the little brothers in the rivalry. The starters for the Chargers were undefeated against the division. The Bolts beat the Chiefs in both games where Patrick Mahomes started. I cannot stress enough how big it would be for the outlook of the franchise if they could repeat that performance in 2026. The Broncos won the AFC West last year with some massive breaks going their way. The huge fourth-quarter comeback against the Giants was historic. They squeeked out several other close games. They also got to face the Chiefs’ backups in the regular season finale. Teams that have had seasons like that tend to regress greatly the following year. That’s what I predict for the Broncos overall, but that doesn’t make these divisional matchups any less intense. In fact, I think they’ll be scarier on paper with the addition of wideout Jaylen Waddle on offense. Sean Payton is going to find ways for him to terrorize defenses and the Bolts will have to be ready to face him twice a year now for the foreseeable future. Until the Chargers avenge their playoff loss from the 2024 season, this is going to be a matchup that means something to the team. Not only did they send the Bolts home that year, but they beat them again in 2025 behind an elite defense that walloped Justin Herbert on repeat. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt back and healthy this year, I’d expect that matchup to go quite a bit differently. If McDaniel is worth his salt, he’ll find a way to neutralize that Houston pass rush to give Herbert and the offense plenty of breathing room. At least, that’s the hope and reason why they hired him in the first place. The Chargers will have multiple opportunities to get some revenge against teams that bounced them from the playoffs in recent years and after the offense scored just three points against New England in last season’s playoffs, the Bolts will have this one circled in red. What makes this matchup even more exciting is that McDaniel has plenty of experience against this franchise. From 2022-2025, McDaniel was 5-3 against the Patriots. If he can muster up some of that magic against his old divisional rival, the Chargers could be in goods hands whenever they face the reigning AFC Champions. The Chargers will face their former defensive coordinator in his first year at the helm of the Ravens. He’ll be tasked with getting their defense up to par with the offense in hopes of punching their ticket back to the postseason after the franchise missed out on a trip in 2025. Funny enough, both teams will have somewhat of an inside look at the opposing defense. The Chargers hired Chris O’Leary to keep their unit roughly the same while Minter isn’t expected to revamp his system, either. This game will seemingly come down to which team is able to execute better on offense. And what a show that could end up being between Herbert and Lamar Jackson
The Miami Dolphins seemed ready to tear everything down on their roster this offseason, with one exception. They refused to entertain a trade of running back De’Von Achane . It seemed odd. The devaluation of running back around the NFL has been a notable trend. But the Dolphins, who traded away receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos this offseason, wouldn’t budge on moving their young running back. Then Achane got a contract extension from the Dolphins, and maybe it makes more sense. Achane signed a four-year, $64 million deal on Wednesday. Achane did get a lot of money … for a running back. He’s the third highest-paid running back in the NFL in terms of value per year, behind Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley . But among offensive playmakers, $16 million per season is perfectly reasonable for someone who can impact a game like Achane. He’s a highly paid running back but his contract would be a good value among receivers. Is it possible that the devalued running back has turned into the new bargain in the NFL? As running back values in the draft and in free agency lessened, the market for receivers skyrocketed. Alec Pierce might be the best example of it. Pierce was a second-round pick in 2022 and had little impact for the Indianapolis Colts through two seasons, never reaching 600 yards in a season. He took strides in 2024, leading the NFL in yards per reception and catching seven touchdowns, then in 2025 he built off that and had his first 1,000-yard season. Pierce had 1,003 yards and six touchdowns, then signed a four-year, $114 million deal to stay with the Colts before he hit free agency this offseason. There’s no question that Pierce, who has averaged more than 21 yards per catch the past two seasons, has a big impact and is an ascending player at an important position. But Achane’s deal is 56% of what Pierce got. Achane had almost twice as many touches last season (305) as Pierce has had in four seasons combined (156). Achane had 12 touchdowns last season, compared to 17 for Pierce’s career, and put up 1,838 yards from scrimmage. It’s not like Achane wasn’t efficient; he averaged a league-best 5.7 yards per carry. It’s reasonable to argue that a receiver like Pierce can impact defenses in different ways, and his value over replacement is higher than even the best running backs. But is Achane really just 56% the offensive player that Pierce is, as the contracts would indicate? Achane’s new deal would rank him 30th among receivers in terms of money per season, according to Spotrac . Among the players he is behind: Calvin Ridley , Michael Pittman Jr. , Jerry Jeudy , Wan’Dale Robinson and Romeo Doubs . He is also behind Rashid Shaheed , who signed a deal this offseason with the Seattle Seahawks at $17 million per season. Shaheed has tremendous value as a returner, but in half of a season with the Seahawks he had 15 catches and no touchdowns on offense. Does he have more value than Achane, who had 238 rushing attempts and led the league in yards per carry? The NFL thinks so. Money talks. Last season, the NFL’s shift toward the running game became a significant trend. More teams began running multiple tight end sets to attack defenses that got smaller over the years to cover spread attacks. Many blocking tight ends got good contracts this offseason, and many were drafted highly in April. Teams want to get explosive plays in the running game against defensive schemes with two deep safeties designed to eliminate those big plays in the passing game. It seems reasonable those offenses would covet elite running backs to maximize that approach. Achane is clearly elite. He is an explosive runner who is excellent in the passing game as well. He’s also just 24 years old. There could be concerns about whether he’ll hold up over the length of a long extension, especially considering he’s only 191 pounds. But in a salary cap world, the Dolphins decided that paying a running back $16 million per season was so valuable [... truncated ...]
The Buffalo Bills will distinctly be part of your Thanksgiving and potentially Christmas holidays this year — for those who celebrate — as the NFL has placed Josh Allen and Co. in each of marquee spotlight during the 2026 season. The Bills will host Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs inside new Highmark Stadium on Thanksgiving night, as part of the league’s triple-header on Turkey Day, per Jordan Schultz . This will mark the first time the seismic regular-season clash between these two AFC powerhouses will be in primetime since their premiere against each other in the Mahomes-Allen era back in 2020. About a month later, long after you’ve opened presents on Christmas morning, the Bills are rumored to be playing in Denver against the Broncos for a rematch of the wild divisional-round loss to Sean Payton’s club in January. Mike Monaghan on Twitter , who was the first on the Bills-Chiefs tilt, followed with a report on this Bills- Broncos Christmas matchup. The Bills haven’t played on Thanksgiving or Christmas since their 28-25 over the Lions on Thanksgiving back in 2022. Denver wasn’t active in free agency, yet did swing a trade for former Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle . It led to them not making a selection in the 2026 draft until the third round, and they picked defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim there. The Broncos did pick running back Jonah Coleman in the fourth round and the athletic, stocky tight end Justin Joly in the fifth, the latter of whom the Bills hosted on a Top 30 visit. As for the Chiefs, All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams in March, and the club traded up within the Top 10 of the draft to select cornerback Mansoor Delane. Defensive lineman Peter Woods was Kansas City ’s choice later in Round 1, and edge rusher R Mason Thomas was snagged by the Chiefs in the second round. GM Brett Veach’s biggest signing in free agency was the acquisition of reigning Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker
You can't trade them all. The Miami Dolphins roster has undergone major renovations since the 2025 season ended, leaving a group most wouldn't recognize. Tua Tagovailoa , Tyreek Hill , Jaylen Waddle and Bradley Chubb are the headliners of the now-former Dolphins club. De'Von Achane won't be joining them though. The running back agreed to a four-year extension with the Dolphins, according to multiple reports. Achane's deal is worth $68 million and comes with $32 million guaranteed. NFL insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report the compensation. Achane is a real game breaker for the Dolphins, creating problems for opposing defenses with an elite combination of speed and explosiveness. Running backs haven't always been valued in the modern NFL, at least when it comes to receiving lucrative contract extensions. The Dolphins new regime of Jeff Hafley and Jon-Eric Sullivan appeared to prioritize the 24-year-old, making him a key piece for the team going into the future. Perhaps this contract is the latest sign that the market for running backs is starting to shift in the position's favor. Here's what to know about Achane's extension with the Dolphins. OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) OT Tytus Howard: Traded to Cleveland Browns (previous team: Houston Texans) CB Trent McDuffie: Traded to Los Angeles Rams (previous team: Kansas City Chiefs) RB David Montgomery: Traded to Houston Texans (previous team: Detroit Lions) WR DJ Moore: Traded to Buffalo Bills (previous team: Chicago Bears) Term : Four years Total contract value : $68 million Average annual value (AAV) : $17 million Guaranteed money : $32 million Achane's contract makes him the third-highest-paid running back in the NFL entering 2026, according to Schultz. "The [AAV] and guarantees are the most ever for RBs coming off rookie contracts," the NFL insider wrote on social media site X. Achane has played in 44 games through three seasons with the Dolphins. He was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, providing plenty of value on the field for Miami. Listed at just 5-9 and 191 pounds, Achane's durability has quieted any concerns about his smaller frame at the professional level. He is coming off his best season to date, posting 305 touches, 1,838 total yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025. That brings Achane's career total to 716 touches, 4,334 yards and 35 touchdowns. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: De'Von Achane contract: Dolphins agree to extension with star RB
De'Von Achane will remain a centerpiece of the Miami Dolphins offense for years to come. Achane reportedly reached a four-year extension with the Dolphins worth up to $68 million on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Achane will receive $32 million guaranteed, too. Achane more than surpassed the four-year, $48 million contract extension that James Cook signed with the Buffalo Bills last offseason, which was reportedly always his target. He’s now the third-highest-paid running back in the league at $17 million a season. Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan made it clear multiple times this offseason that Achane was not available for trade, despite previously stating that “nobody is untouchable in this business” and dealing wide receiver Jaylen Waddle , long considered a cornerstone of the franchise , to the Denver Broncos . Sullivan also indicated that the team planned to extend Achane. The running back’s appearance at the Dolphins’ training facility after missing voluntary OTAs was viewed as a good-faith gesture that a deal would eventually get done. Sullivan has referred to Achane as a pillar of the franchise, alongside center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks . After completing Achane’s extension, Sullivan is expected to pursue new deals for Brewer and Brooks, both of whom have one year remaining on their current contracts. Since being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Achane has become a key contributor to Miami’s offense. After missing six games and sharing carries with Raheem Mostert during his rookie season, Achane has since proven durable and has led the team in rushing yards over the past two seasons. Last season, Achane surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career, finishing with 1,350 yards and eight rushing touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He reached those numbers despite battling multiple injuries, including a calf issue early in the year, a rib injury late in the season and a shoulder injury that sidelined him in Week 18. Achane also led the Dolphins in receptions with 67 catches for 488 yards. In 2024, he recorded 78 receptions for 592 yards and six touchdowns, all career highs. Without Tyreek Hill and Waddle, Achane could emerge as one of quarterback Malik Willis’ primary targets on a revamped Dolphins roster featuring a new head coach, quarterback, and general manager, along with three rookie wide receivers from this year’s draft
On Tuesday, we learned that the Kansas City Chiefs ’ 2026 season will open with a “Monday Night Football” contest against the Denver Broncos in Arrowhead Stadium. The game will cap off Week 1, taking place on September 14th, kicking off at 7:00 p.m. Arrowhead Time with the nationally televised broadcast on ABC/ESPN. Sign up for a user account and get: Fewer ads Create community posts Comment on articles, community posts Rec comments, community posts New, improved notifications system! The Broncos are the reigning champions of the AFC West, while the Chiefs are looking to rebound from a third-place finish in 2025, ending a nine-year streak of winning the division. The long-time rivalry’s first rendition of 2026 will take place at Arrowhead, an advantage for the Chiefs in the moment, but many fans in Chiefs Kingdom have been vocal about preferring the home game to be the latter of the two matchups. Does one team or another have a real advantage when it comes to the starting quarterbacks recovering from injury? Patrick Mahomes is set to take the field in OTAs later this month, while Broncos head coach Sean Payton has expressed that Bo Nix could be “full go” by training camp . Our friendly foes at Mile High Report pointed out a seemingly strong advantage in the Broncos’ direction to consider: Denver’s wide receiver duo of Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton will be a handful for the Chiefs’ rebuilt secondary to deal with right out of the gate. First-round pick, rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane, cornerback Nohl Williams , and the rest of the team’s secondary do have to be on their A-game out of the gates. Nix has no problem playing the gunslinger role and giving his guys chances downfield. Cornerback Kristian Fulton was a victim of that on a big play in Denver last season. All that said, I believe it’s clear the Chiefs get an advantage by seeing Denver right out of the gates, regardless of the venue. Kansas City, under head coach Andy Reid, has been notorious for hot starts to the season, and it comes from the intensity of the training camp he puts on in the preseason. Last season was an anomaly in this era of Chiefs football. The team started 0-2, highlighted by a season-opening loss to an AFC West foe: the Los Angeles Chargers . Last season’s team was clearly flawed enough to require major change this offseason, and the absence of receivers to start the season made things very difficult to continue Reid’s history of strong performances in September. With a fresh team, history actually suggests a group of newcomers will more likely lead to a strong start for the Chiefs. The team started 9-0 in Reid’s first year as coach in 2013. In Mahomes’ first year as a starter, 2018, the team had a 5-0 record before its first loss. To start the 2022 season after trading away All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill , the Chiefs went 2-0 with a primetime win over the Chargers and a 44-point performance against the Arizona Cardinals that featured five passing touchdowns from Mahomes. I believe the 2026 Chiefs will start out hot, and that will begin with a reminder to Denver about which team has run the division for the last decade. It’s always good to get a head start in the AFC West race, and I think Kansas City accomplishes that in September. What do you think? Do the Chiefs or Broncos have an advantage with such an early-season, primetime matchup? Let us know in the comments
The NFL schedule release is imminent, with select games announced early. The Denver Broncos, bolstered by additions like Jaylen Waddle and a strong defense, are expected to be featured in several primetime and notable games due to their potential as Super Bowl contenders
Wide receiver Michael Woods has earned himself another NFL shot as the Broncos will sign him to their 90-man roster after he participated in their rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Woods, a 2022 sixth-round pick by the Browns, missed all of 2023 with a torn Achilles, played in five games in 2024, and spent time on the Packers’ practice squad
The Denver Broncos made wide receiver Jaylen Waddle one of the offseason's biggest trade acquisitions by sending three draft picks to the Miami Dolphins for him. Waddle bounced back from a down year in 2024 with strong production in 2025, recording 64 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns on 100 targets across 16 games with Miami. After former Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill (knee) went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 4, Waddle had the advantage of being the clear number one pass-catcher in Miami. He could end up playing the same role in Denver, but the Broncos have other capable pass-catchers in wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, and Troy Franklin. Still, the upgrade in offensive environment from Miami to Denver should be a net positive for Waddle's fantasy production. In Waddle's last fully healthy season with an above-average offense in 2022, he recorded 1,356 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. In dynasty formats, Waddle has clear buy-low appeal ahead of his first season in Denver
Data comes from cached Sleeper and KTC snapshots. Values update when the sync jobs run.
