Week 1 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Still known more as a blocking tight end than a receiving one, Virgil Green is coming off of a career-high 22 receptions in 12 games last year. Nearly a third of those grabs (seven) came in the two games against the Chargers. However, there are much better options for you to start in Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
Known more as a blocking TE, Virgil Green is coming off of career-highs in receptions (22) and yards (237) last season. His best game came in an October win over the Chargers, where he caught four passes for 55 yards. He is a huge weapon, especially in the red zone, at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds.
Fantasy Downside
Green saw a lot of playing time the past two seasons due to his run-blocking ability in Gary Kubiak’s more conservative offense. However, he was only targeted 37 times in 12 contests and scored just once –- in the Broncos' meaningless season finale.
2017 Bottom Line
Green will likely be the Denver starting TE again when the season begins. He's not much of a threat in the passing game, though, which could dampen his playing time. Even with an offense expected to pass the ball more this season, there is no reason for Green to be on your fantasy roster.
Week 13 at Jacksonville
With the acquisition of A.J. Derby, he has been receiving most of the Broncos TE looks the past few contests. There is no reason for Virgil Green to be on a fantasy roster.
Week 12 vs. Kansas City
In the win over the Saints two weeks ago, Virgil Green was targeted six times, but finished with only two catches for 24 yards. On the season, Virgil has just 18 receptions and no TDs. While Green is a nice red zone target, you’re better off searching for another starting TE.
Week 10 at New Orleans
He had one drop right out of his breadbasket, but Virgil Green finished last Sunday night’s game at Oakland with two receptions for 37 yards. Green was targeted four times by Trevor Siemian in the loss, but just isn’t getting enough consistent looks for him to be part of your fantasy starting lineup, even facing a very bad New Orleans defense.
Week 9 at Oakland
Coming off his most productive game of the season in the win over the Chargers last week, Virgil Green has a good matchup against the Raiders on Sunday night. The TE was targeted six times last week, leading to four receptions for 55 yards. Virgil came in to the contest with just 95 yards on the year, so it was good to see him contribute more than as just a blocker. Oakland is No. 27 in stopping the pass, so Green could be used as a spot starter, especially with six teams on bye.
Week 8 vs. San Diego
Remaining a non-factor in the Denver passing game, Virgil Green and Broncos TEs weren't targeted last Monday against Houston. While Green caught three balls for 21 yards in the loss to the Chargers a couple weeks ago, there is no reason for him to be started on Sunday.
Week 7 vs. Houston
After missing the previous three games, Virgil Green was back on the field last Thursday at San Diego. However, he produced just three receptions for 21 yards in the loss and has 10 grabs and no TDs on the season. While he is a nice red zone target, there are too many other options in the Denver passing game to justify starting Green.
Week 6 at San Diego
The Broncos could definitely use Virgil Green on Thursday night in San Diego. He has missed the past three games and the rushing attack has suffered. While Virgil is not too much of a pass catching threat, his run blocking is key. Even if he is back for the Thursday night affair with the Chargers, keep Green on your fantasy bench.
Week 5 vs. Atlanta
Virgil Green has missed the past two games with a calf injury, so be sure to monitor his health status on Sunday. Even if he’s able to play, there has to be a better TE option for you to start.
