Guest of the League
Overwatch Est. 2022
Dynasty $250 - FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Sean Payton calls Broncos' quarterbacks 'orphaned dogs'

Thu May 23 10:25pm ET
Field Level Media

Denver coach Sean Payton didn't use the most flattering metaphor when describing the Broncos' three quarterbacks.

Payton called the trio, which consists of Bo Nix, Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham, "orphaned dogs" Thursday.

"They've all come from somewhere, but they're doing well. It's a good room," said Peyton, who will be entering his second year as Denver's coach.

The Broncos selected Nix with the 12th pick in this year's draft after he threw for 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns in his final season at Oregon. He completed 77.4 percent of his passes and threw only three interceptions in 470 attempts.

Two days before the draft, the Broncos acquired Wilson, who was the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, and a seventh-round pick from the New York Jets for a sixth-round pick. Wilson struggled with the Jets in his 34 games, throwing for 6,293 yards with 23 touchdowns and 25 interceptions while completing 57 percent of his passes.

Stidham appeared in three games last season for the Broncos and started the final two after he was signed by the club in March 2023. He threw two touchdowns and one interception during the two starts after Denver suddenly decided to bench Russell Wilson. The Broncos, who finished 8-9 last season, released Wilson in March two years into a five-year, $245 million contract.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 4

Player Notes
Jake Ferguson Sep 25 11:40am ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson is one of the top tight end options heading into Week 4 after a strong return game in Week 3 where he caught six passes for 95 yards. With how poorly the tight end position has started off this season, Ferguson is a no-brainer start in a Thursday night matchup with the New York Giants. Dallas has shown that they will lean on the passing game this season, and with Ferguson being one of the top options for quarterback Dak Prescott, he grades as a high-end TE1 ahead of the game.

From RotoBaller

Ezekiel Elliott Sep 25 11:10am ET
Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott only touched the ball four times in last week's loss to Baltimore. Elliott's usage has not been consistent enough this season to consider him a weekly starter, but this week's matchup with the New York Giants offers more upside than last week's did. Elliott will likely need a touchdown to pay off for fantasy purposes, making him a tough start in most formats. He ranks as a low-end RB3, as he should once again split the already limited rushing work with Rico Dowdle.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Sep 25 11:10am ET
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle saw 50% of rush attempts and a 10% target share in Week 3's loss to Baltimore. Dowdle's increased usage is encouraging for the future of his fantasy viability, but firing him up into starting lineups for Week 4 may be too early. While Thursday's matchup with the Giants is not ugly on paper, expect Dallas to continue to lean on the passing game. Dowdle will need a touchdown in order to pay off for fantasy purposes, and he has yet to score one in 2024. The 26-year-old is a low-end RB3 option this week.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Sep 25 11:10am ET
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys veteran receiver Brandin Cooks projects in WR4 range ahead of Thursday night's game against the New York Giants. Cooks has seen a fairly consistent role throughout the first three weeks as Dallas' WR2 and third option in the passing game. The 31-year-old is averaging five targets per game and has an 80% snap share on the season. Being on the field leads to opportunity, and we know that Cooks will be on the field for the Cowboys on Thursday night. He isn't a sexy start and doesn't have the highest ceiling, but Cooks can be considered as a flex option this week.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Sep 25 11:00am ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott recovered from weak fantasy production in the first two games of the season with a 379-yard, two-touchdown performance that also included a rushing touchdown in Week 3's loss. He finished the week as the QB2 in fantasy. Prescott has a similar ceiling heading into Thursday night's divisional clash with the New York Giants. New York's secondary is susceptible to big plays, creating an opportunity for Prescott to stack up fantasy points. He grades as a QB1 option ahead of Thursday Night Football and should be started in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Mingo Sep 25 10:40am ET
Jonathan Mingo

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is expected to step in as the team's third wide receiver in three-receiver sets according to Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer. With Adam Thielen (hamstring) on IR, the opportunity is there for Mingo to step into more of an expanded role and see the field more often. So far this season, the LSU product has six catches for 59 yards. He is still expected to operate behind receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette but with Andy Dalton at quarterback, the Panthers offense all of a sudden looks able to facilitate some fantasy wide receivers. Mingo is an interesting name to watch on the waiver wire to see how he fares in his new role.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Sep 25 10:30am ET
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette could see more opportunities with Adam Thielen (hamstring) placed on IR according to Alex Zietlow of the Charlotte Observer. The rookie out of South Carolina has six catches for 77 yards in three games this season. With Thielen out now, Legette could emerge as a secondary target for new quarterback Andy Dalton behind Diontae Johnson. Dalton was much more effective in leading the Panthers' offense in Week 3 and looks like an upgrade over Bryce Young. Legette could benefit from that and the increased snap share he is likely to see with Thielen sidelined. Legette is looking like a sneaky waiver-wire addition ahead of what could be a breakout Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 25 10:20am ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 4 but has a very good chance to play according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rapoport says the Packers should have Love back and although it is not for sure, it is "as close as it has been". Love practiced all of last week in pads before being ruled out. Malik Willis led the team to a win over the Titans in Week 3 in Love's absence. In Week 4, a Love return would give him a matchup against a very tough Vikings defense at home. It would likely boost the entire Green Bay offense, including their deep receiving corps. All signs point to Love getting back on the field this week and beating his initial timetable for his MCL injury.

From RotoBaller

Kwon Alexander Sep 25 9:30am ET
Kwon Alexander

Free Agent linebacker Kwon Alexander is set to sign with the Denver Broncos on their practice squad, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Alexander is a former Pro Bowler who the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. The talented and versatile linebacker has also played for the 49ers, Saints, Jets, and Steelers before signing with the Broncos. The Denver defense has allowed 15.3 points per game so far this season in three games and is coming off a dominant performance in a 26-7 victory at Tampa Bay in Week 3. Alexander should eventually add depth to the linebacking corps and could find some playing time after beginning on the practice squad.

From RotoBaller

Kwon Alexander Sep 25 9:13am ET
Kwon Alexander

Free-agent LB Kwon Alexander (Steelers) signed an undisclosed deal with the Denver Broncos Wednesday, Sept. 25.

From TheHuddle

Wan'Dale Robinson Sep 25 7:20am ET
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson heads into Week 4 after a solid performance in the 21-15 win over the Browns, where he caught seven passes for 61 yards. Robinson has been utilized primarily as a short-area target, averaging 11.57 fantasy points per game in 2024. He has 123 total receiving yards and one touchdown, with 15 receptions and 24 targets. Facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, Robinson must contend with a defense ranked 15th against wide receivers, allowing 594 passing yards this season. His quickness could help exploit Dallas' weaker slot coverage, but the Cowboys have held opposing WRs to just 25.90 fantasy points per game. Robinson's target share offers a stable floor but remains a low-upside flex option in this divisional matchup.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Sep 25 4:50am ET
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke about what rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson needs to do to earn playing time: "He just has to keep working. It's tough to get on a moving train." Ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steelers made the surprising choice not to dress Wilson, who has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained during training camp. This injury caused him to miss the preseason and the first two games of the regular season. Wilson remained inactive despite logging two full practices to finish the week and having no injury designation going into Sunday. The Steelers only dressed four wide receivers for the game, although running back Cordarrelle Patterson also contributes as a receiver. The team's third-round pick from Michigan in the 2024 NFL Draft is eager to get on the field soon.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Sep 25 3:50am ET
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys star pass rusher Micah Parsons described the start of the 2024 season as "extremely humbling." It wasn't just the fact that the Cowboys suffered back-to-back home losses; it was the manner in which they were defeated. Similar to last year's playoff blowout against Green Bay, the defense was overrun in both games. Given the Cleveland Browns' performance this season, the Week 1 road victory feels less significant. The Cowboys have begun their home schedule by surrendering a staggering 888 yards in losses to New Orleans and Baltimore, including 464 yards on the ground. The continued lackluster performances raise doubts about any potential turnaround. With a quick turnaround, the Cowboys must shift their focus from the loss to Baltimore as they prepare to face the Giants on Thursday. The Cowboy's defense should be startable in a good matchup.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Sep 25 3:20am ET
CeeDee Lamb

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle) fully participated in Tuesday's practice, which is excellent news following a challenging Week 3. Lamb did not address reporters after Sunday's home defeat to the Baltimore Ravens, a game where he struggled with a lost fumble, dropped a pass, and appeared to have a disagreement with quarterback Dak Prescott on the sidelines. He finished the game with four receptions for 67 yards, but after halftime, he managed just one catch for nine yards on six targets as the Cowboys fell behind 28-6. Fortunately for Dallas, they won't have much time to dwell on their two consecutive losses as they face the New York Giants on Thursday. Lamb has the potential to rebound strongly; last season, he recorded 15 catches for 228 yards and one touchdown in two games against the Giants. This matchup allows him to move past the disappointment against Baltimore and shine against a familiar rival.

From RotoBaller

Derwin James Sep 25 3:00am ET
Derwin James

The Los Angeles Chargers will be without star safety Derwin James when they face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. The NFL announced that hearing officer Derrick Brooks, appointed by the NFL and NFLPA, upheld James' one-game suspension without pay due to "repeated violations of playing rules aimed at protecting player health and safety," including an incident during Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. James received a penalty for unnecessary roughness after delivering a head hit to Pat Freiermuth in the Chargers' 20-10 loss to Pittsburgh. Over his last 18 games, he has accumulated five unnecessary roughness penalties, the highest total among defensive players in the league, all involving head contact using his shoulder or helmet. A three-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, James has registered 21 combined tackles and one sack in three games this season. Last year, he was fined $91,027 by the NFL for similar unnecessary roughness penalties and hits on defenseless players. With the Chargers missing one of their top defensive assets, all Chiefs playmakers should see a boost in value.

From RotoBaller

Greg Joseph Sep 25 2:10am ET
Greg Joseph

New York Giants kicker Greg Joseph heads into Week 4 after scoring only three extra points in the 21-15 win over the Browns. In his first game as a New York Giant, Joseph missed the only field goal he attempted from 48 yards out. Facing the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, he is looking to make a more significant impact on the game as he tries to hold on to a roster spot. Managers will want to look to other teams, as Joseph is just a placeholder until Graham Gano returns.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Sep 25 2:00am ET
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson heads into Week 4 after contributing only one reception for 13 yards in the team's 21-15 win over the Browns. He almost scored the first touchdown of his career as he was targeted in the end zone, but the ball was just out of his reach. Johnson has averaged 1.70 fantasy points per game this season as he is still adjusting to life in the NFL. However, he faces a tough test against the Dallas Cowboys, who rank 13th in defense against tight ends and have allowed just 7.47 fantasy points per game to the position. As of now, Johnson is best left on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 25 1:40am ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers enters Week 4 after another elite performance in the 21-15 win over the Browns, where he hauled in eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Nabers has quickly become the primary pass catcher for Daniel Jones, leading the NFL with 37 targets and 22.83 fantasy points per game through three weeks. The defense of the Dallas Cowboys have been more vulnerable to wide receivers, ranking 15th against the position and allowing 594 passing yards through three games. This offers some opportunity for Nabers, but Dallas still holds opposing WRs to 25.90 fantasy points per game. His volume gives him a high floor, but managers can still hope for continued greatness in this divisional matchup.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Sep 25 1:30am ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary enters Week 4 following a solid performance in the 21-15 win over the Browns, where he rushed for 65 yards on 16 carries and added four receptions for 43 yards. Singletary is averaging a respectable 15.5 fantasy points per game in 2024 (ranked as the 13th RB overall), primarily thanks to his usage as the Giants' lead back. The Dallas Cowboys defense has been the worst defense against the run, allowing the most rushing yards in the league with 557 in only three games. Singletary's volume gives him a safe floor, and Dallas' porous run defense provides the potential for him to be a No. 1 back in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Sep 25 1:10am ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones enters Week 4 (on Thursday) following a solid showing in the 21-15 win over the Browns, where he posted 236 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 20 rushing yards. Jones is averaging 14.9 fantasy points per game in 2024, with 67 rushing yards, four passing TDs, and two interceptions. The Dallas Cowboys' defense has been poor this season, ranking fourth in fantasy points allowed to QBs, averaging 19.39 fantasy points per game in 2024. Jones looks to take advantage of the matchup. His rushing upside may be crucial, and he has some upside (especially with rookie phenom Malik Nabers on his side), but he's still a risky fantasy start in this tough divisional matchup.

From RotoBaller