Week 4 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Even though Emmanuel Sanders was held to five receptions for just 38 yards in the loss at Baltimore last week, he took it the distance on a 35-yard end-around—his second TD of the season and the first rushing score of his career. Sanders is averaging over 100 total yards per game so far and has a great chance to eclipse the century mark again at home on Monday night versus the Chiefs, who are tied for last against the pass. Keep on starting No. 10.
Week 3 at Baltimore Ravens
In the win versus the Raiders last week, Emmanuel Sanders was only targeted four times, but he caught all four looks and registered a team-leading 96 yards. In the first two weeks, Sanders has been the WR playmaker for the Broncos, with 231 receiving yards. He and Case Keenum had a good rapport during training camp, which has carried over to the regular season. The Ravens defense was victimized by four Andy Dalton TDs last Thursday, so keep on starting Sanders.
Week 2 vs. Oakland Raiders
Case Keenum and Emmanuel Sanders had a good training camp and that continued in the regular season opener versus Seattle last Sunday. On 11 targets, Sanders snagged 10 passes for 135 yards and a TD that ended with him somersaulting into the end zone. Whether he lined up on the outside or in the slot, the Seahawks defense had trouble containing the speedster. Last Monday night, the Raiders allowed 233 yards through the air, but were forced to interfere on a few more deep passes, which bodes well for Sanders owners.
Week 1 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Emmanuel Sanders’ numbers were down last season with Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch at QB, but things are expected to be better with Case Keenum under center. Despite turning 31 during the offseason, Sanders still has plenty of speed and quickness to get open. With rookie Courtland Sutton lining up on the outside in three-receiver sets, look for Sanders to exploit the Seattle secondary. He makes for a strong WR2 option in the opener.
Fantasy Upside
Even though he is under contract through 2019, Emmanuel Sanders has something to prove this season as there’s no guaranteed money tied to the agreement. In the 12 games he played in last season with Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch under center, Sanders caught 47 passes for 555 yards; but he has recorded over 1,000 yards with an average of 85 grabs the previous three years in Denver. Now that Case Keenum is the signal-caller, Sanders’ numbers should receive a bump. And, with the Broncos drafting Courtland Sutton in the second round, look for the veteran to line up in the slot more often in 3-WR sets, which could result in some mismatch opportunities.
Fantasy Downside
Sanders missed four games last season and averaged just 11.8 yards per catch, the lowest total he’s posted with the club. He caught only two touchdowns all year (both in Week 2) and posted just one 100-yard performance. Sanders turned 31 during the offseason and, for a player who utilizes speed in much of his game, you have to wonder if DBs will now be able to hang with him. Even though Keenum should be an upgrade at QB, he threw for 300 yards just twice last season and tossed for fewer than 200 yards on five different occasions.
2018 Bottom Line
Even though this may be Sanders' last season in Denver, he will remain the deep threat for the team and should be back over 70 receptions, assuming he can stay healthy. Registering 1,000 yards may be too much to ask, but you’ve got to expect him to score more than just twice. Sanders is listed as the No. 32 preseason WR, making him a good middle-round choice.
Week 16 at Washington
In the win over the Colts last Thursday, Emmanuel Sanders caught a team-high 7 passes for 68 yards before leaving with a sore ankle. The injury has been an issue for him since mid-October and he hasn't been able to practice this week. Both of Sanders' TDs this season came way back in Week 2, but he’ll be facing the No. 16 ranked pass defense. Even if he's able to play, Sanders does not make for a good fantasy start.
Week 15 at Indianapolis Colts
On 4 targets from Trevor Siemian, Emmanuel Sanders ended up with just a 16-yard reception in the shutout of the Jets last Sunday. Still hobbled by a sore ankle, No. 10 won’t have much time to rest with the short turnaround this week. Indianapolis is No. 30 versus the pass, but the Broncos offense is still having trouble moving the ball, making Sanders just a FLEX option at best.
Week 14 vs. New York Jets
Hobbled by a recurring injury to his ankle, Emmanuel Sanders was held to just 2 grabs for 11 yards on 7 targets last Sunday against the Dolphins. In the past four contests, he has been thrown to 34 times but has only 13 receptions during that span. Both of Sanders 2017 TDs came way back in Week 2 and he has just one 100-yard game. If there’s any hope for the Denver offense to turn things around, it will likely come this week at home versus the Jets, who just allowed 366 yards through and 4 TDs through the air to the Chiefs. Sanders should be considered a FLEX play, based on the struggles of the Broncos offense.
Week 13 at Miami Dolphins
In the loss at Oakland last Sunday, Emmanuel Sanders was targeted 6 times by Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian, resulting in just 3 grabs for 12 yards. The QBs combined for 20 completions, but to eight different targets. With Siemian back at the helm this week, Sanders should again be a part of the game plan. Miami allows over 225 passing yards per game, which means the WR could be in line for a good afternoon. Go ahead and keep him in your starting lineup.
Week 12 at Oakland Raiders
In the home loss to Cincinnati last Sunday, Emmanuel Sanders was targeted 8 times by Brock Osweiler, but caught only 2 balls for 15 yards. After registering 137 yards the previous week, it was a bit of a surprise to see such a drop in performance, especially with Osweiler throwing for a season-high 254 yards. Sanders has just 34 receptions and 2 TDs on the season. The Denver passing game didn’t do much against the Raiders at home in Week 4, with No. 10 collecting 4 grabs for 27 yards. With Paxton Lynch now at the helm, Sanders should be considered a FLEX play in the rematch, even facing a poor Oakland pass defense.
