Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Why you should drop this Broncos WR from your fantasy team

Fantasy players who hope Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy catches fire soon shouldn't count on it.

"He's very droppable," ESPN's Field Yates said of the former first-round pick Tuesday on "Fantasy Focus." "Name equity goes a long way, but what's the upside of Jerry Jeudy?"

Some thought Jeudy would break out and become a bona fide WR1 under new Denver head coach Sean Payton, an offensive mastermind. That hasn't happened, though. Through 11 games, he has only recorded 40 receptions for 491 yards and one TD. Per Pro Football Reference, he has logged 55.1 fantasy points, 55th at his position.

In 2022, Jeudy set career highs in receptions (67), receiving yards (972) and receiving TDs (six), so his regression is a bit of a surprise. On Monday, Payton hinted it ties to quarterback Russell Wilson missing him on wide-open throws, which was evident in the Broncos' Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans.

"There was a play, though, where they dropped coverage, and he was very easily a viable target on a big play," the HC told the media. "Finally, he was able to make a few in that game. Really, if you look at the tape — and I know some of you get to do that. If you watch all of it, holy cow, there are two or three of those plays."

Wilson has developed a strong connection with WR Courtland Sutton, possibly explaining why he's not relying on Jeudy. The former Pro Bowler has 50 receptions for 637 yards and nine TDs, the third most in the NFL.

Unless Jeudy receives more targets, he's not a viable starter, and fantasy players should mull dropping him.

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