Who is the Broncos Starting Quarterback For Week 17? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Denver Broncos sent shockwaves throughout the NFL this past week, making a major change at the quarterback position. Despite remaining alive in the playoff hunt (albeit from the outside looking in), Denver opted to bench veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.

This development had been floated as a possibility several times, but seeing it actually come to fruition represents a gutsy call by head coach Sean Payton near the end of his first season in Denver. Acquired in 2022 for a massive haul, including several first and second-round picks, Wilson has completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 6,595 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions over 30 games with the Broncos.

Despite posting solid results this season (and ranking as the QB9 in fantasy football), Wilson is headed to the bench for the final two games of the 2023 season. What does this mean for the Broncos? Is Jarrett Stidham the Broncos' new starting quarterback? What is Jarrett Stidham's fantasy football outlook for Week 17?

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Is Jarrett Stidham The Broncos' Starting Quarterback?

Payton confirmed that Jarrett Stidham will start at quarterback in Week 17. Naturally, the head coach expressed confidence in the young signal-caller's abilities, saying he wouldn't have made this quarterback change if he didn't think Stidham could win games. Making Wilson the scapegoat amidst his solid season is odd, but Stidham will get a chance to showcase himself as a starter over these final two games.

Stidham started Week 17 and 18 last season, too, completing an impressive 78.6 percent of his passes for 584 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions with the Raiders. He also rushed 18 times for 84 yards but did tally three fumbles (one lost).

This time around, Stidham's starts will come against two divisional opponents, the Chargers and Raiders.

Should I Start Jarrett Stidham In Week 17 Fantasy Football?

Fantasy managers will feel somewhat compelled to start Stidham this week given that he has a favorable matchup. After all, the Chargers have surrendered the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, giving up 279.3 passing yards and 1.6 passing touchdowns per game.

With that said, Stidham represents a downgrade from Wilson, at least until he proves otherwise. Plus, the Broncos are expected to be without Courtland Sutton (concussion) and Marvin Mims Jr. (hamstring), leaving the team limping with Jerry Jeudy (illness) as its top receiver while Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Brandon Johnson earn additional snaps in the passing game.

What this means for Denver is a much larger dose of rushing attempts. Stidham could get involved on the ground, but more likely than not, we'll see a lot of carries for Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin, especially given how poor the Chargers' run defense has been this year. Don't rule out some receiving opportunities for Samaje Perine, too.

All in all, while Stidham has a great matchup, a lack of weapons this week makes him nothing more than a desperation QB2 option in fantasy football. He should be avoided in most leagues.

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