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 3

Player Notes
Will Shipley Sep 17 2:40pm CT
Will Shipley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (oblique) remains out of practice on Wednesday as the team begins preparations for Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. Shipley suffered an oblique injury in the season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys and was inactive for the Week 2 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl rematch. Since the 23-year-old's injury in Week 1, the Eagles went out and acquired Tank Bigsby in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for additional backfield depth behind starter Saquon Barkley. In addition to Bigsby, Philly also has AJ Dillon as an option at the position, so when Shipley is healthy enough to return to the field, he figures to take on a smaller role as a change-of-pace option behind Barkley.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 17 2:40pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), who was inactive for the Week 2 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl rematch due to a knee sprain he suffered in the season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys, returned to the practice field on Wednesday, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. While it's not guaranteed that Goedert will play in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams just yet, this is certainly a positive sign for his availability this weekend. The 30-year-old caught all seven of his targets for 44 yards in Week 1 and should be considered a must-start TE1 in fantasy if he returns for Week 3 action. With Goedert out against Kansas City, backup Grant Calcaterra finished with only one catch on two targets for six yards.

From RotoBaller

Gunnar Helm Sep 17 2:20pm CT
Gunnar Helm

Tennessee Titans rookie tight end Gunnar Helm has been active in the first two weeks of the 2025 season, but he's been minimally involved in the offense to begin his career. Helm played just over 33 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams while securing both of his targets for only nine yards. Through his first two NFL games, the fourth-rounder out of Texas has three catches on four targets for 25 yards. So far, he has been targeted in the short areas of the field by rookie quarterback Cam Ward and is the clear No. 2 TE behind Chig Okonkwo in Tennessee. Helm may become a bigger part of the Titans' offense as the season unfolds, but for now, unless Okonkwo misses time with an injury, he belongs on the waiver wire in single-year fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Sep 17 2:00pm CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has wasted no time making his mark in 2025, highlighted by an eight-catch, 142-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Cowboys in Week 2. Quarterback Russell Wilson has been quick to praise the 24-year-old, calling him a "superstar" and noting, "He's like a quarterback out there playing receiver... he's got a great feel for the game... he reminds me a lot of Tyler Lockett." Robinson has drawn 18 targets over the first two weeks and forms a dangerous tandem with Malik Nabers, creating consistent one-on-one opportunities for both receivers. After posting 93 receptions last season, Robinson is now showing far more explosiveness, with his yards per reception jumping from 7.5 to 14.1. With increased usage and Wilson's trust, Robinson is a must-roster fantasy option across all formats.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Sep 17 1:50pm CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (knee) logged a full practice Wednesday and is expected to see his first meaningful action of the season Thursday night against Buffalo. Wright entered the year as the projected RB2 behind De'Von Achane, but a preseason knee issue sidelined him for the first two weeks. In his absence, Ollie Gordon II filled the change-of-pace role, playing 18% of Miami's offensive snaps. Achane has been one of the few bright spots in a sluggish Dolphins offense, tallying a team-high 197 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns through two games. With Wright now back in the fold, Miami could look to mix him in early to ease the workload on Achane. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should monitor Wright as a potential stash with upside if his role grows.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Sep 17 1:50pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) remains on injured reserve but is eligible to return in Week 6 against a vulnerable Bengals defense. The Packers' backfield has leaned heavily on Josh Jacobs, who has accounted for 42 of the team's 55 rushing attempts through two games. That kind of workload will be difficult to sustain, and the lack of usage for reserves Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson--each with just one carry--suggests the coaching staff isn't comfortable leaning on them in meaningful situations. Lloyd's eventual return could provide Green Bay with a much-needed spark, as his speed and big-play ability were evident during the preseason. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor Lloyd's progress, as he could quickly carve out a change-of-pace role and potentially spell Jacobs to keep him fresh.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Sep 17 1:40pm CT
Darren Waller

The Miami Dolphins created buzz in July when they signed previously retired tight end Darren Waller, but through two weeks, the 33-year-old has yet to make his debut. Waller last played in 2023 with the Giants, posting 552 yards and 52 catches, but questions remain about whether he can regain his form. For now, the Dolphins have leaned exclusively on Tanner Conner at tight end, who has managed just two receptions for 20 yards on four targets this season. Miami's offense has struggled to find consistent balance, and while the passing attack should feature plenty of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (if active), the lack of production at tight end remains a glaring hole. Fantasy managers should continue to leave Waller on waivers until there's clarity about his role and timeline for return.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 17 1:30pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) has been downgraded to questionable ahead of the team's pivotal Week 3 divisional matchup with the Bills. The Dolphins' passing game found some rhythm in Week 2, with Waddle catching five of six targets for 68 yards and a touchdown, but his availability now casts doubt on their offensive outlook. Miami will likely need to lean on its aerial attack in what projects to be a high-scoring game, and Waddle's absence would shift more opportunities to Tyreek Hill while elevating Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as deeper league streaming considerations. Fantasy managers should monitor Waddle's status closely, as his presence could make the difference between a WR2 performance and a last-minute scramble for replacements.

From RotoBaller

DJ Giddens Sep 17 1:20pm CT
DJ Giddens

Indianapolis Colts rookie running back DJ Giddens saw a sharp decline in his usage during Week 2. After logging 25% of the snaps in the opener, his role was reduced to just 7% as Jonathan Taylor handled nearly all of the backfield work. The shift in snap share makes it clear that as long as Taylor is healthy, Giddens will struggle to carve out meaningful standalone value for fantasy managers. Still, his size and power make him a strong handcuff option, as he would likely step into a heavy workload should Taylor miss time at any point this season. For now, Giddens should be viewed more as a depth stash in deeper formats rather than a reliable contributor. His immediate value is limited, but his long-term upside remains tied directly to Taylor's availability.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 17 12:50pm CT
Josh Palmer

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer has been a nice addition to the team's offense two weeks into the season. The former Los Angeles Charger ranks second among Bills WRs in catches (seven), targets (12), and yards (108), trailing only Keon Coleman in those categories. Palmer led the way with 47 receiving yards on two grabs in a win over the New York Jets in Week 2, when the Bills elected for a run-first approach instead of airing it out. They figure to have more success throwing the ball on Thursday against the Miami Dolphins, who have surrendered 33 points per game while yielding the league's highest completion percentage (78.8) and its second-highest QB rating (126.1). That should help set Palmer up for a relatively successful evening, though he's certainly not a high-end fantasy option. RotoBaller has Palmer as the 62nd-ranked WR going into Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Sep 17 12:50pm CT
Matt Prater

The Buffalo Bills' Matt Prater has been among the NFL's most effective kickers through the first two weeks of the season. The 41-year-old journeyman, who signed with the Bills on Sept. 4 to replace the injured Tyler Bass (groin), has nailed all six of his field-goal attempts while going 5-for-5 on extra points. Prater ranks fifth among kickers in fantasy scoring two weeks into the season, and he should have plenty of opportunities to add to his total on Thursday against the Miami Dolphins. While the Dolphins have given up a whopping 66 points in two games, the Bills' high-powered offense has put 71 on the board. All signs are pointing to another busy night for Prater, which gives him plenty of upside heading into Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Sep 17 12:50pm CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson had good things to say about tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. through two weeks of the season. "Kyle is playing great. He's playing really good football. Really pleased with where Kyle is at. He's playing fast. He's getting extra work in with (tight ends coach Kevin) Koger," Robinson said. Pitts didn't have a stat line to write home about in the Week 2 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, but he was heavily involved for the second straight week and caught four of his five targets for 37 yards in a game in which Atlanta really didn't need to throw the ball much. The 24-year-old has 11 catches for 96 yards through two games and should remain involved as one of the favorite targets for young quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Pitts will be on the TE1/2 borderline in Week 3, although the Falcons could once again lean on their running game in a friendly matchup against the division-rival Carolina Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 17 12:40pm CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen wasn't at his best in a win over the New York Jets in Week 2, but it could be a different story against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. Allen has typically thrived against the AFC East rivals since entering the NFL in 2018. In 15 contests against Miami (including playoffs), Allen has gone 13-2 with 45 touchdowns (40 passing, five rushing), 10 interceptions, 273 passing yards per game, and a 107.6 QB rating. Worsening matters for the Dolphins, they have been ineffective against the pass so far this season. They've allowed the league's highest completion percentage (78.8) and its second-highest passer rating (126.1) despite facing non-elite signal-callers in Daniel Jones and Drake Maye. Miami has also given up the second-most fantasy points to QBs in 2025, making it hard to imagine that its defense will prevent Allen from rebounding in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Sep 17 12:40pm CT
James Cook

After a stellar performance in a Week 2 win over the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will take on one of the NFL's lowest-ranked run defenses on Thursday. Cook will match up against the division-rival Miami Dolphins, who have surrendered the eighth-most rushing yards per game (139.0) and the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs through two weeks. New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson had his way with the Dolphins last Sunday, as he piled up 142 total yards (54 rushing, 88 receiving) on 16 touches. Cook ranks fourth in the league in rushing yards (176) and has already found the end zone three times on the ground through two games. While Cook may have trouble matching last week's production (21 carries, 132 yards, two TDs), especially if he gets a lighter workload on a short week, he profiles as an RB1 going into Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 17 12:40pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid has gotten off to a respectable start through the first two games of the 2025 season. The former first-round pick has hauled in eight of 10 targets for 85 yards and a touchdown heading into a meeting with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. For their part, the Dolphins have given up 12 catches, 146 yards, and the 10th-most fantasy points to tight ends in the early going. That sets up for Kincaid to have a fairly productive night, though a lack of scoring prowess may continue to limit his ceiling. Kincaid has totaled just five touchdowns 31 games into his career, while the Dolphins have not allowed a tight end to find the end zone this year.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 17 12:40pm CT
Khalil Shakir

The Buffalo Bills relied more on the run than the pass in a Week 2 win over the New York Jets, which didn't do wide receiver Khalil Shakir any favors. Shakir had tallied six or more targets in 14 straight games entering last Sunday, but that streak ended against the Jets. After catching one of two targets for 12 yards, he'll look to bounce back against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. Historically, Shakir has logged unspectacular numbers versus division-rival Miami, which has limited him to 20 catches, 260 yards, and no touchdowns in six career meetings. The 6-foot, 190-pounder caught 11 of 12 targets for 104 yards in two games against the Dolphins last year. That aligned with Shakir's season-long output during a 76-catch, 821-yard showing in 2024, and it's the type of respectable production fantasy managers should expect in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 17 12:40pm CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman, the team's leading pass catcher so far this season, will enter a favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. Miami, which may go without injured starting cornerback Storm Duck (ankle), hasn't had an answer for opposing passing games this year. The Dolphins are giving up 33 points per game and have allowed the NFL's highest completion percentage (78.8). That looks auspicious for Coleman, who caught all three targets for a modest 26 yards against No. 1 cornerback Sauce Gardner and the New York Jets' secondary last Sunday. The Bills beat the Jets handily while leaning on the run, whereas they took a pass-happy approach in a Week 1 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Coleman looked like a budding star in the opener. While the second-year man remains unproven, he should be among the beneficiaries if Buffalo's Josh Allen-led aerial attack rebounds from an underwhelming Week 2 performance on Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Sep 17 12:30pm CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he has "not shut the door" on a return this year for quarterback Joe Burrow (toe), according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. However, Taylor doesn't have any timeline updates and doesn't know yet when Burrow will undergo surgery to fix torn ligaments in his toe. The 28-year-old is also dealing with turf toe after getting hurt in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. While there is no official timeline for his return, Burrow is expected to miss at least three months, making it possible he could return at the tail end of the regular season. Fantasy managers with an IR spot available could stash Burrow, but just know that he may not end up helping you from here on out if you make a run in the playoffs. In the meantime, backup Jake Browning will run Cincy's offense. The Bengals offense will surely take a hit, but Browning can serve as a high-end QB2 in the right matchups.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Sep 17 12:20pm CT
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) will not practice on Wednesday, although head coach Dan Quinn was more encouraged about Brown than he was on Monday, according to Zach Selby of Commanders.com. On Monday, Quinn said Brown was a long shot to play in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 29-year-old might still be fighting an uphill battle to play this weekend, but it's clear he's making progress after he injured his groin in Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers. Even if Brown makes a lot of progress the next couple of days and is cleared to play against the Raiders on Sunday, he won't be a realistic starting option for fantasy lineups, with it looking like quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) won't play in Week 3. Through the first two weeks of 2025, Brown has caught three of seven targets for just 36 yards.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Royals Sep 17 12:10pm CT
Jalen Royals

Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers Xavier Worthy (shoulder) and Jalen Royals (knee) will both practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Andy Reid. Worthy suffered a full tear of his right labrum in the season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Chargers when he collided with teammate Travis Kelce on the opening series of the game. He missed the Week 2 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl rematch, but the fact that he's back at practice gives him a chance to play this Sunday against the New York Giants on Sunday night as KC looks for its first 2025 win. It's good news that the 22-year-old is practicing, but his status could still be in doubt for Week 3, and with the game being on Sunday night this week, Worthy is shaping up as an extremely risky fantasy play. Royals missed the first two games of the season and can remain on the waiver wire in most redraft leagues while being buried on the WR depth chart.

From RotoBaller