Denver's blueprint for a championship run hinges on Bo Nix at quarterback, a stout defense, and dominant lines, all backed by ownership that funds stability and growth. Payton spotlights the trio of quarterback, line play, and ownership as the core ingredients that give the Broncos a real chance to compete this season.

Off the field, the Walton-Penner group has poured into a new HQ, facility upgrades, stadium talks, and a slate of extensions, creating an environment that frees resources and appeals to free agents. For fantasy managers, Nix's ceiling, plus Engram and Trautman as TE options, emerge as potential value with Denver's improved offensive balance and a fortified defense lifting overall team production.

In short, a stabilized culture, improved infrastructure, and a high-ceiling QB could lift multiple Broncos players in fantasy, especially if the offense unlocks more red-zone looks and sustainable drive efficiency.

Denver's 53-man cutoff looms after a brisk preseason, with four thorny decisions shaping the Broncos’ path into the season. Engram and Trautman are locks at tight end, while Lucas Krull vs Caleb Lohner could decide the fourth spot. Eyioma Uwazurike vs Jordan Jackson battles for a sixth defensive lineman role, and a five-wide receiver group (Sutton, Franklin, Mims, Bryant, Sherfield) leaves undrafted Courtney Jackson or Joaquin Davis on the bubble. The running back picture remains fluid behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, with Tyler Badie pushing for a roster spot and Audric Estime seemingly on the edge. The final call between Jaleel McLaughlin and Blake Watson could determine the last few spots.

Paton and Payton must balance upside with immediate contribution, leveraging depth, special-teams value and rotational versatility to minimize waivers losses. The result will hinge on development versus immediate impact, and Denver’s ability to optimize a very full roster while preserving flexibility for Week 1 and beyond.

Sean Payton’s Denver rebuild leans Saints. Ten former Saints coaches and staff plus eight players are in Denver, highlighted by A.T. Perry, Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, Michael Burton, Adam Prentice, Malcolm Roach, Jordan Jackson, and Wil Lutz. The preseason finale with New Orleans doubles as a Saints reunion and a live lab for Payton’s system as rosters shake out next week.

A speed edge at receiver and a two‑TE look shape the Broncos’ offense, with Perry’s burst, Trautman/Krull’s versatility, and Prentice/Burton in backfield/goal-line roles. Lutz provides kicking stability while Roach/Jackson threaten rotational DL depth. The Saints‑to‑Broncos pipeline nudges fantasy lenses toward TE and K floor potential, and depth chart moves post-cuts will amplify the intrigue.

RJ Harvey flashed top-speed burst and elusive agility in Denver’s first preseason clash, finishing six carries for 24 yards and posting 4.5 yards after contact on a key run. He showed the kind of game-changing ability that could lift the Denver offense if he wins the early-down lead, though several carries were bounced outside due to line traffic rather than pure misreads by the back. The take: this is not a bad night; it’s a showcase that the offense, blocking schemes, and Harvey can improve together. The film paints clear, fixable issues rather than fatal flaws, and Denver’s backfield competition will hinge on line cohesion and Harvey’s decision-making in real NFL speed. Expect a hotly watched follow-up in Week 2 as the line and Harvey mesh more as a unit.

Preseason Blame Game observations focus on a developing run plan—inside zone and gap schemes—with Harvey often bouncing to the outside. Some reps were blocked cleanly; others suffered from interior congestion, particularly where the RT’s technique and DE slants clogged seams. The takeaway: Harvey’s physical gifts are undeniable; with improved recognition and more consistent O-line chemistry, his upside is substantial. This isn’t about one game; it’s about a process where coaching and blocking will determine Harvey’s Week 1 role and fantasy upside.

Bottom line for fantasy managers: Harvey can be a high-ceiling threat if he locks down the lead role, but keep expectations tempered until the line gels. Denver’s scheme mix and the health/accuracy of blockers will shape his carry volume, especially early in the season. In the meantime, monitor roster moves and the next preseason test—the path to a breakout remains very much in play as the offense seeks cohesion for a more explosive ground game.

Adam Trautman, a tight end for the Denver Broncos, continues to showcase his potential as an essential component of the team's offense. Initially drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Trautman has transitioned to Denver, where he is expected to play a prominent role alongside prominent free agent Evan Engram. In his debut season with the Broncos, he started 12 of 17 games, tallying 22 receptions for 204 yards and three touchdowns, highlighting his ability to contribute both as a blocker and receiver.

While his statistics might not seem staggering, Trautman's blocking skills are invaluable in Sean Payton's offensive scheme, allowing the team to utilize various formations effectively. His reliability positions him favorably for making the final 53-man roster, especially given the current depth of the Broncos' tight end unit. As Trautman further develops his rapport with quarterback Russell Wilson, he could emerge as a sleeper pick for fantasy managers seeking consistent tight end production.