The Broncos have one of the league's best defenses; maybe the very best. Not only is it the top-rated pass defense, but it leads the league in sacks and is 5th interceptions. Tough to sit that down in fantasy leagues, but the same applies to its opponents.
Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are one of the league's best receiving duo. No other pair of wideouts ranks in the top 12 in both receptions and yards so far this season. But matched up with a defense that's allowed only 2 touchdowns to wide receivers all season, you need to lower expectations for both players. Neither player scored or did much against Denver a year ago: 4 catches for 47 yards in the two games for Cooper, 8 for 73 total for Crabtree.
With Denver's defense, it's been performing at too high a level or anyone to easily bench in fantasy leagues. But look at Derek Carr: he's been sacked only 9 times and thrown only 3 interceptions all season. If any defense can get to him three times, this is the one. But it won't be easy.
If I have Cooper or Crabtree, it's unlikely I'll have the luxury of benching them this week. There won't necessarily be a defense available to me that I'll be able to start ahead of Denver, either. But I'll consider it.
The Broncos have faced six elite type No. 1 wideouts thus far. Only one of those players got in the end zone against them, and only two went over 60 yards. (Hopkins isn't having a good year anyway, of course.)
| No. 1 WRs against Denver | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Player | No | Yds | TD |
| Benjamin, Car. | 6 | 91 | 1 |
| Hilton, Ind. | 4 | 41 | 0 |
| Green, Cin. | 8 | 77 | 0 |
| Evans, T.B. | 5 | 59 | 0 |
| Jones, Atl. | 2 | 29 | 0 |
| Hopkins, Hou. | 5 | 36 | 0 |
--Andy Richardson