The Denver Broncos offense came to life on Sunday as they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-7 for their first win of the season. In the win, a new weapon emerged on Denver’s offense.
Running back Tyler Badie rushed for 70 yards on nine carries for an average of 7.8 yards per carry. With running backs, and other positions, seeing a lot of players sustain injuries in the first three weeks of the season, could adding Badie be a good waiver wire pickup for Week 4?
Should Tyler Badie Be Added on the Fantasy Waiver Wire in Week 4?
Running backs have turned in stellar performances throughout the first three weeks. But there’s more to consider when looking to add Badie on the waiver wire. Right now, there’s a strong case to not add him as a waiver wire pickup in Week 4. That’s especially true considering the Broncos play at the New York Jets in Week 4. The Jets just held the New England Patriots to just 78 rushing yards this past Thursday night.
Denver has rushed for under 100 yards per game through the first four weeks. Despite hitting 100+ yards rushing as a team for the first time this season with 136 on Sunday, there are still major concerns with Denver’s offense.
Tyler Badie is in the game to close it out for the Broncos.
That means a ton. He’s earned Sean Payton’s trust.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR)
First, rookie quarterback Bo Nix is still going through some major growing pains. He has yet to throw a touchdown pass, and he hasn’t shown an ability to elevate the Denver offense.
Despite putting up 20+ points in two of the first three games, you have to look deeper than just the number on the scoreboard to see how much the Broncos’ offense is struggling.
On Sunday, Denver scored 26 points — but 12 of those points came on field goals. In Week 1, Denver scored 20 points — but four of those points came on safeties and nine more came on field goals.
This is the second point against adding Badie on the waiver wire. The Broncos’ offense, as a whole, has struggled to generate consistent scoring potential and put the ball in the end zone. Through three weeks, the Broncos have just three touchdowns.
Touchdowns help fantasy football teams score points. If the Broncos’ offense can’t put the ball in the end zone, how can fantasy managers trust they’re going to get scoring help from Badie?
This is nothing against Badie as a running back. He played well in Week 3, and he could become a really good running back. But rushing yards only generate so many points. Eventually, fantasy managers need running backs that score touchdowns. Denver’s offense only has three touchdowns through three games. That doesn’t suggest Badie is going to score many touchdowns this season.
Badie got more carries on Sunday because fellow Broncos running back Javonte Williams had a fumble that limited his carries. Williams was the Broncos’ starting running back coming into the season, but his workload has dropped each week.
I'm sorry, but Tyler Badie has to start running back next week. He's got the hot hand, man.
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL)
While that could open the door for more opportunities for Badie, it’s too early to count on him to be a good waiver wire pickup.
Remember, the Broncos’ offense is struggling to put the ball in the end zone and score points. That’s not an indictment on Badie, but it does hurt his ability to be an impact waiver wire pickup, especially in Week 4.
