The 2-6 Denver Broncos have announced that 34-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco will not play Sunday in their Week 9 match-up against the Cleveland Browns due to a herniated disc in his neck. Head coach Vic Fangio has also hinted at the possibility that Flacco, with his 1,822 yards, 6 TDs and 8 turnovers, may be placed on injured reserve.
While 2019 second round pick Drew Lock remains on IR, the Broncos will turn to Brandon Allen. Allen, a 2016 sixth round pick, will make his first career NFL start. There has been speculation that the possible Flacco to the IR move is a result of his comments about the team being too “conservative” following Sunday’s loss.
The move has significant fantasy football impact. Phillip Lindsay (25 receptions, 160 yards & 0 touchdowns), Royce Freeman (26 receptions, 182 yards & 0 TDs) and Noah Fant (20 receptions, 185 yards & 1 TD) get a fantasy stock bump as a result. Play calling will most likely be made simpler for a backup and rookie quarterback. Expect more run plays and targets for the running backs, making Lindsay and Freeman solid RB2s for the foreseeable future. Fant now garners some waiver wire attention as he will be the beneficiary of the shortened passing game
Courtland Sutton (39 receptions, 636 yards & 3 TDs) and DaeSean Hamilton (11 receptions, 106 yards & 0TDs) are seemingly the fantasy losers of this move. I expect Sutton’s production to take a hit, potentially making him a mid-to low end WR2 the rest of the way. Hamilton at this point may not be worth a roster spot unless you’re in a 14 plus team league.
Now may be the time to swoop in and capitalize on a low value trade for Royce Freeman. Meanwhile, Sutton owners should look to find a suitor that is willing to buy his stock on the high end. Be creative though. Other savvy owners will be aware of the situation.
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