Courtland

Sutton

Four years removed from his 2020 torn ACL and getting the best quarterback play of his career from rookie Bo Nix, Sutton revived for his first 1,000-yard campaign since 2019, easily taking command of an undermanned receiver corps. Sutton’s 81 receptions were a new career high by nine, as he proved comfortable as more than just a sideline hand fighter. It was a long-overdue sight to see, but Sutton also benefited from an acute lack of target competition, including in the backfield. Soon to be on the wrong side of 30 and certain to face a tougher battle for looks, it’s tempting to label Sutton an early 2025 fade, though Nix should improve as a sophomore. Sutton ultimately feels like a safe WR3 who could still crack the top 24 as he heads into a contract year.

Sutton successfully cleared the 1,065-yard season-long threshold against the Chiefs, securing a $500,000 contract incentive with a little help from Bo Nix. Nix looked Sutton’s way frequently, even when covered; Sutton’s five contested targets and three contested catches both tied for season-highs. Sutton will face far stiffer competition against the Bills’ talented cornerback corps next week but his volume and talent keep him WR2-viable.

The Broncos largely struggled to move the ball in the first half as they let their defense do most of the heavy lifting, eventually taking a 7-3 deficit into the break. They would emerge from the locker room with renewed fervor, with Sutton getting the team even on a six-yard touchdown reception near the end of the third quarter. Both teams went bonkers in the final frame, scoring two touchdowns a piece, before Cincinnati sealed the victory towards the end of overtime following their own missed field goal. Sutton gets another difficult test against the Chiefs in Week 18, although they could be resting key players considering they already locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

Sutton’s game was about as non-descript as it gets; especially from what should be the top option in the passing attack. The wideout had a long gain of 18 yards, and while there was just one target that wasn’t completed, far too many of the receptions were of the short-yardage variety. Sutton will be in the WR2 conversation against the Bengals in Week 17.

Sutton had next to no chemistry with Bo Nix, who had three interceptions, including one when targeting Sutton in the first half. He salvaged his statistical day with a fourth quarter touchdown — one of three from Nix. Sutton, far and away the Broncos’ No. 1 wideout, now has at least nine targets in five straight games. No other Denver pass catcher had more than four targets against the Colts. Sutton, who had 53 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against the Chargers, will be a high-floor WR2 option in Week 16 against LA.

Sutton operated as the clear alpha for a Broncos team that narrowly avoided defeat at the hands of a record-setting night from both Jameis Winston and Jerry Jeudy. Two Denver pick-sixes ultimately proved to be the difference as the Broncos head into their Week 14 bye in firm control of the final playoff spot out of the AFC. Sutton’s next chance to return elite fantasy production comes in Week 15 against one of the teams chasing the Broncos for the seventh playoff spot in the Colts.

Sutton time and again won contested catches against overmatched Vegas defenders. That included a lofted touchdown from Bo Nix in the back of the end zone in the first half. He nabbed another score in the second half. Sutton now has 467 receiving yards over his past five games as Nix’s go-to guy in critical situations. Sutton, who has dominated targets and air yards in the Denver offense all season long, should be seen as a locked-in WR2 option going forward. He gets the Browns in Week 13.

Sutton led the Broncos in all receiving categories but was somehow not one of the four Denver pass catchers to reel in a touchdown from Bo Nix in his best showing of the 2024 season. Sutton had a 23-yard reception in the first half on the Broncos’ second scoring drive of the game, but was quiet in the second half as the Broncos nursed a hefty lead against a lifeless Falcons team. Sutton now has at least eight targets in four straight games as Nix’s clear No. 1 option. He’ll be a top-24 option in Week 12 against the Chargers.

He conclusively dominated Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie on the biggest plays of the game, winning vertically on his 32-yard touchdown catch and managing a 13-yard gain with 1:53 left that should have led to the game-winning field goal. Alas. Sutton has now gone for over 100 yards or a touchdown in three straight weeks and should remain on the WR3 line against the Falcons in Week 11.

Sutton put up another strong receiving line this week, but his most memorable play was the aforementioned pass attempt. Denver ran a “Philly Special” trick play at the goal line. Sutton came across the formation, caught a pitch, and tossed a floater to Bo Nix who muscled his way into the end zone. Sutton wasn’t targeted in Week 7 but has since rebounded with 21 looks over his past two games. He hit the century mark in both contests. With Nix leaning on him more in recent weeks, Sutton has a secure spot in the WR3 ranks for his Week 10 matchup with Kansas City.