Source + player page
Mile High Report fantasy football takes on Jaylen Waddle
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Mile High Report about Jaylen Waddle.
80
Insights
39
Positive
25
Negative
Insight ledger
All Mile High Report insights about Jaylen Waddle
NegativeInjuryOct 27, 2026
Jaylen Waddle leads the Broncos in receptions (26) and receiving yards (276) but left Sunday's game with an apparent shoulder/chest injury; his production has been limited by Denver's passing struggles, and if the injury is not serious and the Broncos increase his target volume, his output should improve alongside the offense.PositiveUsageOct 27, 2026
Jaylen Waddle made several impressive catches including a difficult low throw on a 14-yard out and a 27-yard back shoulder downfield while taking a big hit from a closing safety. Waddle finished with 4 catches for 48 yards, demonstrating his value as a target for Bo Nix.NegativeUsageOct 27, 2026
Played 34 snaps at WR, second-most among the receiver group behind Sutton (43).NegativeInjuryOct 26, 2026
Waddle left the game late with a chest injury after showing off his big-play potential. Sean Payton called himself out after the game for the dumb play call that led to Waddle's injury. As of the article's writing, no update on the severity of his injury was available.NegativeInjuryOct 26, 2026
Waddle left the game late with a chest injury and did not return. The source notes his injury looked worse than Allen's hamstring injury, but updates on both players were pending.PositiveUsageOct 25, 2026
Jaylen Waddle caught a 27-yard bullet down the middle of the field from Bo Nix in the fourth quarter, advancing the Broncos into field goal range. The play was part of a drive where the source noted 'the vibes were high' and 'nothing could slow Nix down,' highlighting Waddle's role in Denver's late-game offensive execution.NegativeUsageOct 25, 2026
Waddle caught a pass but was unable to gain a first down, jumping backwards to break a tackle only to be hit by another defender just shy of the first down marker; the incompletion forced a three-and-out for Denver's offense.PositiveUsageOct 25, 2026
Caught 14-yard reception on third down after a defensive holding penalty gave Denver a fresh set of downs, moving the chains for a first down in the third drive of the opening quarter.NegativeRoleOct 24, 2026
Kingbronco58 expresses disappointment in Waddle's performance through six games, noting the disconnect between expectations and production after the Broncos traded a first-round pick for him in the offseason. The source expected Waddle to help the offense take the next step but views his performance thus far as disappointing both as a fan and fantasy football owner. Additionally, the source calls for more schemed targets for Waddle to get him involved early in games, indicating underutilization in the current offensive scheme.NegativeInjuryOct 22, 2026
Wide receiver with chest injury limited both Wednesday and Thursday; continued limited participation suggests ongoing management of injury status heading into Week 7.NegativeInjuryOct 21, 2026
Listed with chest injury; limited practice participation on Wednesday.NegativeInjuryOct 19, 2026
Jaylen Waddle got dinged up but finished the game; he was only 4 out of 7 targets for 24 yards. The source notes that receivers and tight ends were smothered by the Seahawks defense and did not find a way to fight for openings.NegativeUsageOct 18, 2026
Waddle played 41 snaps (65% of offensive snaps) as part of a five-receiver group that combined for 15 targets and 9 catches with a longest reception of only 10 yards. The Broncos' offense generated only three plays gaining 10+ yards all game.NegativeUsageOct 16, 2026
Stock down with 7 targets for 4 catches for 24 yards. The source attributes the poor performance to tough defense and the passing offense struggling, and notes the Broncos need to get Waddle going.NegativeUsageOct 16, 2026
Jaylen Waddle caught a pass just a foot shy of the first down marker at Denver's own 30-yard line, ending the Broncos' fourth quarter drive and prompting Sean Payton to punt rather than go for it.NegativeInjuryOct 16, 2026
Jaylen Waddle suffered a shoulder injury during Thursday Night Football against Seattle and was ruled questionable to return with 9:09 remaining in the third quarter; he subsequently returned to the lineup on the Broncos' second drive of the third quarter. The injury caused him to miss the entire first drive of the second half, creating in-game availability uncertainty for fantasy purposes.NegativeUsageOct 16, 2026
Waddle received a seven-yard pass in the second quarter as part of Denver's offensive drive into Seahawks territory.NegativeProjectionOct 15, 2026
Projected to record 7 catches for 96 yards in the game prediction.NegativeUsageOct 15, 2026
Waddle has averaged approximately one drop per game this season, often on plays that would have been explosive; the source estimates he could have 5 more catches for 120 additional yards if he caught everything that hit his hands. These drops have had a snowball effect on offensive continuity, turning potential explosive plays into three-and-outs that punt the ball back to the opponent, and the source suggests Waddle's drop rate has been overlooked in how much it has contributed to Bo Nix's performance struggles this season.NegativeBustOct 15, 2026
Jaylen Waddle has been a major disappointment as an offseason addition meant to spark the offense, with the source noting he's averaging a drop per game, often on plays that would have been explosive. The source estimates Waddle could have 5 more catches for 120 more yards on the season if he caught everything that hit his hands, and his drops have likely significantly contributed to negative perceptions of Bo Nix's performance.NegativeUsageOct 15, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is receiving a low number of throws despite being the WR1 and offseason addition meant to spark the offense. The source attributes this primarily to Bo Nix's poor field vision rather than playcalling or receiver performance, though Waddle has been a significant problem himself with drops.PositiveProjectionOct 15, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is projected to have a big game in a Broncos victory scenario where Bo Nix capitalizes on defensive turnovers created by Kirk Darnold's mistakes, supporting a 23-17 Broncos win prediction.NegativeProjectionOct 14, 2026
Jaylen Waddle has significantly underperformed expectations after the Broncos traded multiple premium picks to acquire him. Through five games, he has just 18 catches for 204 yards and 1 touchdown, with only one standout performance (eight catches, 138 yards in Week 2 vs. Jacksonville). Most concerning, Waddle is sporting the worst catch percentage of his career at 58 percent. The source frames Week 6 vs. Seattle as a critical opportunity for Waddle to rebound and justify the investment, though Seattle's elite pass defense (allowing just 150 yards per game through the air) presents a formidable challenge.NegativeUsageOct 13, 2026
Best play was a nice end around for 8 yards. For what seems like the 3rd week in a row, dropped another pass that hit his hands; while the throw from Nix was poor, the source expects highly paid WRs to catch it if it hits their hands, indicating a recurring drop issue.NegativeRoleOct 12, 2026
Stock down; big offseason addition continued to disappoint with 5 targets, 2 catches for 19 yards, and a costly drop late in game. Source notes he was supposed to change the offense but was an afterthought again, and emphasizes need for Nix and Waddle to improve chemistry quickly.NegativeRoleOct 12, 2026
Waddle showed visible frustration with the Broncos' offensive performance during the game against the Chargers, displaying his frustration both on the field and on the sidelines. This reflects the broader offensive struggles tied to Bo Nix's play and the team's inability to execute downfield, with the aerial attack failing to take off despite the Broncos' emphasis on the ground game.NegativeUsageOct 12, 2026
Waddle played 40 snaps (65% of offensive snaps) and was part of a receiving group that accounted for 9 catches, mostly short, with the longest reception being Sutton's 13-yard catch, indicating limited explosive plays in the passing game.NegativeUsageOct 12, 2026
Waddle's production is lacking with just 2 catches for 19 yards on 5 targets. He dropped a big play over the middle of the field late in the game and has dropped a handful of balls this season. The source notes the production and impact expected from Waddle isn't happening, and he's showing frustration on the field.NegativeUsageOct 11, 2026
Jaylen Waddle was missing in action for most of the game outside of a few plays; the source identifies the lack of impact from Waddle and Courtland Sutton as one of the biggest disappointments of the season.PositiveUsageOct 11, 2026
Jaylen Waddle was targeted twice in Denver's fourth-quarter comeback: first on a deep pass in the second quarter after a defensive pass interference call on Los Angeles, and again in the final drive where he caught a pass outside for a first down inside the red zone to help set up the game-tying touchdown.PositiveUsageOct 11, 2026
Waddle was targeted twice in the second quarter: once on an end-around for eight yards into Chargers territory, and again on a deep pass attempt where he drew defensive pass interference despite an underthrown ball, setting Denver up in fringe field goal territory.PositiveUsageOct 10, 2026
Ian St. Clair predicts the Broncos offense will look better in the Week 5 matchup against the Chargers and specifically calls for improved utilization of Waddle in the game plan, suggesting the receiver will see better opportunities and production than recent weeks.NegativeUsageOct 10, 2026
Jaylen Waddle recorded 70 receiving yards and 0 touchdowns in the Chargers' 28-17 loss to the Broncos on October 10, 2026.NegativeUsageOct 10, 2026
SickBoy67 identifies Jaylen Waddle as one of the biggest playmakers not getting the ball often enough. The source notes it's a problem that the ball isn't necessarily getting to playmakers like Waddle and Sutton that often, but this stems from the ineffective running game forcing defenses to put more players into coverage.NegativeRoleOct 8, 2026
Despite expectations that Waddle would transform the Broncos offense, he has not been featured outside of one game vs. the Jaguars and feels like an afterthought in the offense; this underutilization is part of the broader offensive dysfunction that led to Sean Payton taking over play-calling.NegativeUsageOct 6, 2026
Jaylen Waddle got more touches this game, but many of them were on pretty short routes. He had a bad drop early that hit his hands directly. His touchdown catch was a great scheme, and he made a superb play once he caught the ball to get it free into the end zone. The source would like to see him get more deep crossers, as he should be able to tear up the no-man's land between 2-high safeties and zoned linebackers underneath.NegativeUsageOct 6, 2026
Waddle played 45 snaps (68% of offensive snaps), second among Broncos receivers, in a checkdown-heavy offensive scheme that limited downfield passing opportunities.NegativeUsageOct 5, 2026
The source notes Waddle caught his first touchdown as a Bronco but his usage remains puzzling. He had 5 receptions for 35 yards on only 6 total targets. The source expected more manufactured touches and saw some improvement this week but not what was envisioned when Denver traded for him.NegativeUsageOct 5, 2026
Jaylen Waddle scored a touchdown but still only contributed 35 yards of offense in Week 5, highlighting the Broncos' offensive struggles; Waddle attributed the disconnect to execution, saying 'execution is the formula' for the offense they want to run.NegativeRoleOct 5, 2026
Wide receiver has had a surprisingly slow start to his Broncos career and now faces increased pressure to step up following Pat Bryant's ankle injury. Waddle's underperformance compounds the challenge for Denver's struggling offense.PositiveUsageOct 5, 2026
Jaylen Waddle caught his first touchdown as a member of the Denver Broncos, marking a positive early contribution to the offense despite the team's overall struggles.PositiveUsageOct 4, 2026
Caught a touchdown pass from Bo Nix with four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, scoring his first touchdown as a Bronco and helping Denver close the deficit to three points with a successful two-point conversion.PositiveUsageOct 4, 2026
Waddle gained nine yards after breaking a tackle in the second quarter, showing involvement in the 49ers passing game and ability to create yards after the catch.NegativeUsageOct 4, 2026
Targeted twice in the first quarter: first on a screen pass that gained only a couple yards early in Denver's opening drive, then later on a deep middle route where Bo Nix threw a perfectly placed pass that Waddle dropped.NegativeProjectionOct 3, 2026
EmpeyFM projects Jaylen Waddle for a three-reception, 30–50-yard game against the 49ers, similar to his previous week's statline; the source notes Waddle 'has been disappointing to this point, but man is he a play machine when he does catch in front of the LOS,' with flashes suggesting improvement as the season progresses.PositiveInjuryOct 1, 2026
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was a full participant on Thursday after full participation on Wednesday with a foot injury; trending toward playing Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.PositiveInjurySep 30, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is healthy with no injury concerns following the Week 3 comeback win over the Rams. Multiple sources confirmed over 48 hours that "there's nothing wrong" with Waddle, and the Broncos would take extra caution with him if any issues existed, indicating he is cleared and available.PositiveInjurySep 30, 2026
Full participant in Wednesday practice after boot rumors following last week's game; the source confirms all looks good for Week 4 availability despite foot injury designation.NegativeUsageSep 29, 2026
Waddle had a rough game outside of a 2-point conversion, catching 2 of 7 targets for only 10 yards. The source notes the team was 'really forcing it to him' and he 'had a drop and just didn't connect as well in this game.'PositiveUsageSep 29, 2026
Jaylen Waddle caught a 2-point conversion from Bo Nix that was an absolutely filthy, undefendable dime perfectly placed on and out and up to the back of the end zone. This was a critical scoring play showcasing Waddle's ability to execute in high-leverage situations.PositiveUsageSep 29, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is the leading target receiver for Denver with 138 receiving yards in Week 2 against the Jaguars. The source notes that save for Waddle's 138-yard effort, the Broncos' wide receivers have been caught up in the wash, positioning him as the primary receiving weapon in an offense that has struggled early but shown second-half improvement.PositiveUsageSep 29, 2026
Waddle played 49 snaps (73% of offensive plays), the second-most among receivers, and was part of a WR group that combined for 17 targets, 8 catches, and 1 TD.PositiveUsageSep 28, 2026
Waddle was featured in a critical two-point conversion catch in the second half, celebrating with Nate Adkins after a touchdown. The source highlights this as part of the Broncos' successful back-to-back scoring drives that tied the game and swung momentum.NegativeUsageSep 28, 2026
Waddle had 2 catches for 10 yards and struggled to get anything going against the talented Rams secondary. The source expected more from Waddle in this big game, calling it 'a pretty forgettable night for the Broncos playmaker' despite a nice two-point conversion catch.PositiveRoleSep 28, 2026
Made an excellent catch on a two-point conversion in the third quarter that sparked momentum; the source notes the insane catch paired with Bo Nix's insane throw gave the whole team a spark at a critical moment in the comeback.NegativeUsageSep 28, 2026
WR Jaylen Waddle finished with 2 catches for 10 yards and had a couple of drops despite a nice two-point conversion catch. The source notes that the Rams had good coverage on Waddle and expresses disappointment, saying 'I was hoping for more from the Broncos' playmaking wide receiver,' indicating underperformance relative to expectations.PositiveUsageSep 28, 2026
Waddle caught a two-point conversion in the same red zone spot where he nearly had a deep pass intercepted earlier, then executed an end-around that juked the first defender and streaked for a first down to move Denver into the red zone on a subsequent drive.NegativeUsageSep 28, 2026
Waddle was targeted multiple times by Nix: had a pass knocked away on third and three, dropped a pass while open on a later drive, then redeemed himself with a comeback catch for a first down on third and eight; showing consistent target volume despite execution issues.NegativeUsageSep 28, 2026
Jaylen Waddle was targeted late in the Broncos' first-quarter drive but was blanketed, forcing the offense to bring out the field goal unit.PositiveBreakoutSep 26, 2026
Jaylen Waddle delivered the Week 2 performance expected in Week 1, establishing himself as a difference-maker for Denver's offense. The source expects Waddle to continue as an X-factor this week and projects him for 80 receiving yards against the Rams.PositiveProjectionSep 25, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is projected to catch one of Bo Nix's three touchdown passes in the Broncos' primetime matchup against the Rams, as part of Scotty Payne's prediction of strong offensive execution.NegativeRoleSep 25, 2026
Jaylen Waddle is identified as Bo Nix's new favorite target in the Broncos passing game. The Rams' defensive strategy will prioritize taking away Waddle to limit Nix's effectiveness and force Denver into a one-dimensional offensive approach.PositiveUsageSep 24, 2026
Jaylen Waddle ran a critical route on the Broncos' final third-down conversion that showcased his ability to create separation in man-to-man coverage. Bo Nix praised the play, stating: 'We ran that play because we really wanted man. We wanted him to get matched up on the nickel and sure enough, we see it and we're champing at the bit just to get the play off.' Nix noted that Waddle 'ran such a good route' and was 'that open' on the play, emphasizing that 'He's going to be really difficult to guard in man-to-man situations as the game goes on.' Nix highlighted that Waddle is part of a 'really good personnel grouping' with other difficult-to-guard receivers, making the Broncos' passing attack hard to defend.PositiveUsageSep 24, 2026
Waddle rebounded from Week 1 shutdown against Kansas City with 8 receptions on 10 targets for 138 yards in Week 2 victory over Jacksonville. Offensive Coordinator Davis Webb deployed him across multiple alignments (slot to Z position) and isolated him in mismatch scenarios against tough Jaguars defense. The source projects Waddle will play a big role again in Week 3 against the Rams' revamped secondary, expecting him to have another impact game in primetime.PositiveRoleSep 23, 2026
Sean Payton highlighted Jaylen Waddle as a strength on offense for his unselfishness and desire to be involved: "I think it's a strength of his [WR Jaylen Waddle], and I think it's a strength of [WR] Courtland [Sutton]'s. In their DNA, those are guys that appreciate winning. Part of that goes into who we're looking for. We want receivers that want the ball. That part was very clean with Jaylen, and it has been since Day 1 with Courtland." Payton's emphasis on Waddle wanting the ball and his clean execution of that trait supports target volume upside.PositiveRoleSep 23, 2026
The Denver Broncos offense is described as 'unlocked' with Jaylen Waddle. The offense took off with Waddle's arrival, and his presence is opening up passing lanes for other receivers, suggesting increased offensive efficiency and opportunity for complementary pass catchers.PositiveRoleSep 23, 2026
Waddle's emergence as a focal point will create secondary opportunities for teammates as defenses begin doubling him and running coverage games to neutralize his deep routes. Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, and RJ Harvey are expected to benefit from the clearing routes Waddle creates, allowing Payton and Davis Webb to scheme additional receivers open.PositiveUsageSep 23, 2026
Waddle dominated in Week 2 with 8 catches for 138 yards, marking the first time the Broncos under Sean Payton used the same player repeatedly throughout a game to control an opponent. This represents a departure from Payton's typical scheme-heavy approach, highlighting Waddle's ability to create his own separation repeatedly and Bo Nix's trust in leading him with his speed.PositiveUsageSep 22, 2026
Jaylen Waddle displayed elite speed and route-running ability in his Denver debut. His speed was on display opening up simple routes because defenders cannot stay with him; crossing routes vs. man or match coverage were constantly available all game long. He executed a split-second double move that shook his defender straight out of his ankles. The source emphasizes that speed kills in the NFL and Waddle has it in spades, suggesting consistent high-leverage usage and target opportunity.PositiveUsageSep 22, 2026
Waddle was activated in Week 2 and got going offensively in the Broncos' fourth-quarter comeback win over Jacksonville, signaling his arrival and integration into the offense after a delayed start.PositiveUsageSep 22, 2026
Jaylen Waddle played 38 snaps (61% of offensive plays) and was heavily targeted with 10 targets, converting eight of them into catches, demonstrating strong target efficiency and role in the passing game.PositiveUsageSep 22, 2026
Broncos WR made a massive 49-yard catch at the Jacksonville one-yard line in the red zone during Week 2, demonstrating significant offensive involvement in critical scoring situations despite the offense ultimately settling for a field goal on that drive.PositiveRoleSep 21, 2026
Jaylen Waddle executed a highly effective double-move route during the Broncos' four-minute offense in the Week 2 win over Jacksonville, creating so much separation that the source initially suspected offensive pass interference. The play was critical in closing out the game and shutting down any potential Jacksonville comeback. The source highlighted this as their favorite play of the game, emphasizing the rarity and quality of the route execution.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
Sean Payton highlighted Waddle's 'explosiveness' and 'run after the catch' ability, awarding him a game ball and expressing confidence in his fit with the Broncos. Courtland Sutton told reporters he has been 'cheesin'' about Waddle and believes 'this is just the tip of the iceberg,' adding that the offense has more plays in reserve for Waddle that haven't been deployed yet. Bo Nix praised Waddle's performance in both man and zone coverage, his swagger, enthusiasm, and passion, calling him 'a great teammate' who 'plays the right way.'PositiveUsageSep 21, 2026
After a quiet debut (1 catch, 2 yards), Waddle exploded in Week 2 vs. Jacksonville with 8 catches for 138 yards, including a 49-yard reception from Bo Nix. He demonstrated big-play ability and run-after-catch skills, earning a game ball from Sean Payton, who called his impact 'significant' and stated 'I am glad he is ours.' Courtland Sutton indicated more offensive packages remain unused, suggesting Waddle's role and target share could expand further.PositiveBreakoutSep 21, 2026
After a disappointing 1-catch, 2-yard performance in Week 1, Waddle exploded for 8 catches for 138 yards in Week 2, making multiple key plays in big moments and looking like the explosive playmaker the Broncos traded for this offseason. The source expects this to be the first of many big games.PositiveBreakoutSep 21, 2026
Jaylen Waddle delivered the explosive performance Denver expected when they traded a first-round pick for him. After just three targets and one catch in Week 1, Waddle exploded for 10 targets, 8 catches for 138 yards in Week 2 against Jacksonville, including a dominant 49-yard downfield catch. The source notes he showed his full potential and the explosive element he brings to the offense, was used effectively on deep crossers and shaking DBs out of their socks up the sideline, and Head Coach Sean Payton gave him the game ball, saying he could see his explosiveness. The source believes this is just the beginning of a massive season for Waddle.PositiveUsageSep 21, 2026
Waddle bounced back dramatically in Week 2 after a limited regular season debut with Denver (1 catch, 2 yards). He was arguably player of the game with 8 catches for 138 receiving yards, consistently delivering key first downs and scoring position plays when the Broncos needed big plays most.PositiveRoleSep 21, 2026
The Broncos upgraded their receiving corps during 2026 free agency by acquiring Jaylen Waddle, described as a high-octane receiving threat that addresses a key team need.PositiveUsageSep 21, 2026
Jaylen Waddle caught 8 passes for 138 yards against Jacksonville in the second half; the source describes the Nix-Waddle connection as clicking and frames their performance as an appetizer of what the two can do together, suggesting strong upside in the QB-WR pairing going forward.