Week 4 at Tampa Bay
After missing last week’s win at Cincinnati with a calf injury, Virgil Green could be on the field at Tampa on Sunday. His replacement against the Bengals, John Phillips, caught two passes including a short TD. Virgil has only seven receptions for 74 yards on the season, but has been targeted in the red zone. Be sure to watch the injury report, however, there are still likely other TEs worth starting over Green.
Week 3 at Cincinnati
With Trevor Siemian throwing to 10 different targets versus Indy last Sunday, Virgil Green caught all three of his looks, for 46 yards. Siemian is doing a good job of distributing the ball, but so far none of the Denver pass-catchers is posting great fantasy numbers. Green is a game-time decision with a calf injury, so look elsewhere for your starting TE.
Week 2 vs. Indianapolis
Trevor Siemian targeted Virgil Green five times last Thursday against the Panthers, resulting in four receptions for 28 yards for the big TE. Green was open in the end zone on the one time the two players didn’t connect, but Siemian’s pass was batted down. Virgil will continue to see plenty of playing time in the Denver offense, but there has to be better options for you to start at TE.
Week 1 vs. Carolina
Coming into the season, Virgil Green only has 35 career receptions and two TDs in five seasons. Previously used primarily as a backup, Virgil will assume the role of the Broncos starting TE in 2016. However, don’t expect big numbers for Green in the opener, especially against a good Carolina defense. He may surprise with a short score, but look elsewhere for your starting fantasy TE this week.
Fantasy Upside
Heading in to the regular season, Virgil Green figures to be Denver’s starting TE. He is coming off of a career-high 12 catches in ’15. With a run-focused offense, he and second-year pro Jeff Heuerman will be part of the two-tight end sets.
Fantasy Downside
Playing mainly as a backup during his five NFL seasons, Green has just 35 receptions and two touchdowns. He missed almost all of the offseason program after multiple finger surgeries and has been limited in camp in an effort to try to keep him healthy.
Bottom Line
With the Broncos Virgil has hoped to be a more important part of the passing game and should get a chance to show what he can do this year. However, the big numbers from Green won’t be there, especially with the coaching staff high on Heuerman.
Week 12 vs. New England
Denver TEs caught 11 passes for 146 yards in the win over the Bears last Sunday, but Virgil Green had just a nine-yard reception on his only target from Brock Osweiler. With Vernon Davis now a bigger part of the Broncos offense and Owen Daniels still receiving his looks, there is no reason for Green to be taking up a fantasy roster spot.
Week 11 at Chicago
Last week, Virgil Green saw just one look, leading to an eight-yard reception. Green is fighting for playing time with Vernon Davis and Owen Daniels and should not be taking up a fantasy roster spot.
Week 10 vs. Kansas City
At Indianapolis last Sunday, Virgil Green caught just one pass for 13 yards. After a three receptions for 61 yards performance in Week 8, his productivity definitely dropped off. Despite posting an 11-yard TD reception in Week 2 at Kansas City, with three TEs in the Denver rotation now, Green definitely does not make for a good fantasy play.
Week 9 at Indianapolis
The Green Bay defense left the middle of the field open last Sunday night, allowing Virgil Green to turn in his best performance of the year. The big TE collected three receptions for 61 yards, including a 32-yard grab. In the win, Virgil doubled his catch total for the season. While it was good to see Peyton Manning throw to his TEs (Owen Daniels also caught three balls), Green will also be battling with newly-acquired Vernon Davis for playing time.
Week 1 vs. Baltimore
Even though Julius Thomas is now with Jacksonville, Virgil Green is still not worthy of a fantasy roster spot. The big TE will again be primarily used to block, receiving at most a couple targets from Peyton Manning each week.
