I’m not here to, as the kids say, yuck anybody’s yum. I’m also not here to roster-shame. However, if you’re honestly thinking about starting Tyler Badie in Week 4, you might need to take a step back and think about the left choices that brought you to this moment.
Obviously, there’s a reason I’m even writing this article. Badie popped out of nowhere last Sunday in the Broncos’ commanding 26-7 victory over the Buccaneers, rushing for 70 yards on just nine carries. For some context, that’s more rushing yards than Javonte Williams has had in a game so far this season. Heck, it’s more yards than Williams has in total (52). While that might seem like a positive, I can assure you it’s symptomatic of Denver’s rushing attack as a whole.
The Broncos are one of 11 teams currently averaging fewer than 100 rushing yards per contest. The team also ranks 23rd in both points per game (17.3) and total yards per game (292.7). This is not an offensive environment that’s conducive to producing many interesting fantasy assets, let alone one that’s been used as sparingly as Badie.
Yes, last week’s performance might earn Badie a couple extra looks in Week 4 — and being officially added to the 53-man roster earlier this week is notable — but this situation just reeks of running back by committee. Williams is still going to get his touches. So will Jaleel McLaughlin, who out-snapped Badie 18-to-13 against Tampa Bay. There’s also Bo Nix! Don’t laugh. The rookie QB is tied for the team lead in goal line rushing attempts and, as such, it’s Nix who has scored two of Denver’s three rushing touchdowns through three games.
The Jets’ defense is solid. The Broncos have one of this slate’s lowest implied totals. Forget about just starting Badie, I don’t want to touch anyone in this backfield with a 20-foot pole.
Start or Sit Tyler Badie? Sit.
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All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
