Week 12 vs. New England
There's a good chance Emmanuel Sanders could miss his second straight game, which would mean more action for Andre Caldwell. If Sanders is out on Sunday night, look for the Broncos to use a rotation of Caldwell, Cody Latimer, Bennie Fowler and Jordan Norwood in his absence. If that's the case, Demaryius Thomas would be the only Denver fantasy WR worth starting.
Week 12 – Andre Caldwell vs. Miami Dolphins
Peyton Manning threw the ball 54 times in the loss to the Rams last Sunday, with Andre Caldwell finishing with three receptions for 31 yards. After Emmanuel Sanders and Julius Thomas left the game with injuries, Caldwell and TE Jacob Tamme saw extended playing time. Emmanuel has to go through the concussion protocol, but is probable. Therefore, Caldwell is not worthy of a fantasy start, as long as Sanders is in the lineup.
Week 5 – Andre Caldwell vs. Arizona Cardinals
Now that Wes Welker is back in the Denver passing mix, there is no reason to have Andre Caldwell on your roster.
Week 3 – Andre Caldwell vs. Seattle Seahawks
Peyton Manning threw the ball 26 times in the win over Kansas City last Sunday, but Andre Caldwell saw only one target. Caldwell did have a long fourth-quarter kickoff return, but he does not make for a good fantasy start, especially with Wes Welker back and against a solid Seattle defense.
Week 2 – Andre Caldwell vs. Kansas City Chiefs
With Wes Welker out of the lineup, Andre Caldwell took advantage of some extra playing time last Sunday, but finished with only two receptions for 16 yards. On the first Peyton Manning to Julius Thomas TD, it looked like Manning wanted Caldwell, but he was being held so Peyton checked to his TE. Andre will continue to see a lot of action with Welker’s suspension, but Denver has a lot of weapons in the passing game so it’s advised you keep him on your bench.
Week 1 – Andre Caldwell vs. Indianapolis Colts
With Wes Welker out, expect the Broncos to use Andre Caldwell more than expected for at least the first month. The veteran is coming off of a season in which he caught just 16 passes, but scored three times. Andre will likely lineup on the outside, opposite of Demaryius Thomas, moving Emmanuel Sanders to the slot position. It’s likely Caldwell is still available on the free agent wire, but hopefully you were able to draft some more reliable WRs to play in the opening week.
Fantasy Upside
In limited action last season, the veteran finished with 16 receptions for 200 yards and scored three times. After playing in only eight games in ’12, Andre Caldwell participated in each contest last season. He averaged 12.5 yards per grab and 11 of his receptions resulted in a first down.
Downside
Bubba is 29 and could be near the end of his career. With newcomers Emmanuel Sanders and Cody Latimore in the Broncos rotation now, Caldwell will likely be used sparingly again. He was targeted only 30 times last year and two of his three scores occurred in a Week 15 loss to the Chargers – a game in which Wes Welker was inactive.
Bottom Line
Since his rookie season in ’08, Caldwell has registered three TDs in a season every other year – with scores coming during the odd years. Andre will provide good leadership to the younger Broncos WRs, but is not going to put up big numbers as he just won’t be on the field that much. He is not worth a roster spot in any fantasy league.
