Jaylen Waddle Fantasy outlook, stats and Week 4 start/sit for 2026
- Age
- 27
- Height / weight
- 5'10", 185 lb
- Experience
- 6th season
- Drafted
- 2021 R1, #6
2026 Season
- PPR PPG
- 9.8
- Pos rank
- WR38
- Rostered
- 97%
Week 4 at 49ers, Sun Oct 4, 4:25 PM ET 23rd vs. WRs, tough
Jaylen Waddle Fantasy Football Stats & Analysis
Scoring rate
9.8 PPG
Played
3 games
Role
Depth
Trend
Stable
Jaylen Waddle's 2026 Season, Week by Week
3 games played: one mid-range start and two busts. The next four matchups include one of the league's softest pass defenses.
- Week 1, Loss,at KC,1.2,WR103
- Week 2, Win,vs JAX,21.8,WR9
- Week 3, Win,vs LAR,6.4,WR65
- Up next. Week 4, Oct 4,at SF,Tough49ers vs. WRs
- Week 5, Oct 11,at LAC,NeutralChargers vs. WRs
- Week 6, Oct 15,vs SEA,ToughSeahawks vs. WRs
- Week 7, Oct 25,at ARI,FavorableCardinals vs. WRs
Matchup rank is PPR points allowed to WRs through Week 4. 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Should You Start or Roster Jaylen Waddle?
Waddle is averaging 9.8 PPR points per game through 3 games, with 11 catches for 150 yards and 0 TD on 20 targets. That ranks WR38, which makes him a bench stash in most leagues.
His target share (23.0%) is in the 55th percentile among WRs, the best of his efficiency marks; his catch rate (55.0%) is the weakest, in the 27th. His quarterback has been Bo Nix.
His best week was WR9 in Week 2 against the Jaguars (21.8 points); his worst, WR103 in Week 1 at the Chiefs (1.2). One favorable matchup is ahead: the Cardinals (4th vs. WRs) in Week 7.
For the season-long call, whether to hold, trade or start him, check where Waddle ranks among all WRs in Redraft Command.
What's Driving His Production
Percentile vs. every WR with at least 12 targets in 2026. The line marks the league median.
Target share
23.0%55th percentile, about average
Yards per target
7.547th percentile, about average
Catch rate
55.0%27th percentile, below average
Fantasy points per target
1.4737th percentile, below average
Jaylen Waddle 2026 Game Log
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | @ Chiefs | L 10–31 | 1.2 | WR103 |
| 2 | vs Jaguars | W 20–13 | 21.8 | WR9 |
| 3 | vs Rams | W 30–26 | 6.4 | WR65 |
| Total | 2–1 | 29.4 | WR38 |
Career Fantasy Stats by Season
| Season | Team | GP | Tgt | Rec | Rec yds | Rec TD | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | DEN | 3 | 20 | 11 | 150 | 0 | 29.4 | 9.8 | — |
| 2025 | MIA | 16 | 100 | 64 | 910 | 6 | 194.1 | 12.1 | WR24 |
| 2024 | MIA | 15 | 83 | 58 | 744 | 2 | 149.6 | 10.0 | WR46 |
| 2023 | MIA | 14 | 104 | 72 | 1,014 | 4 | 198.6 | 14.2 | WR34 |
| 2022 | MIA | 17 | 117 | 75 | 1,356 | 8 | 259.2 | 15.3 | WR8 |
| Career | 81 | 564 | 384 | 5,189 | 26 | 1074.7 | 13.3 |
Rest-of-Season Outlook and Availability
Outlook
Now he's the centerpiece of Denver's passing game, and that volume jump is the whole thesis. Bo Nix tilts short and intermediate, which fits Waddle's separation profile even if it caps the air-yard ceiling. His three prior 21-plus target-share campaigns all cleared 18. Behind him on the depth chart: Troy Franklin. Full outlook
Injury status
Active, no designation
He has not missed a game this season. Career games missed to injury: 6. Injury history
- 2025right chest1 game
- 2025footPlayed through
- 2025bilateral hamstringPlayed through
- 2025left shoulderPlayed through
WRs like Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle Fantasy Football FAQ
Should I start Jaylen Waddle in Week 4?
Jaylen Waddle is depth in most leagues for Week 4 at the 49ers, as the WR38 in PPR total points this season (9.8 a game). The 49ers rank 23rd in PPR points allowed to WRs, a tough matchup. Get the start/sit call for Waddle.
How many fantasy points is Jaylen Waddle averaging in 2026?
Jaylen Waddle is averaging 9.8 PPR fantasy points per game in 2026, 29.4 points across 3 games. His last game produced 6.4 points.
Where does Jaylen Waddle rank in fantasy football in 2026?
Jaylen Waddle ranks WR38 in PPR total points in 2026, through 3 games. That makes him depth in most leagues. View his complete season statistics.
Is Jaylen Waddle worth rostering in fantasy football?
Yes, in the right league: Jaylen Waddle is a bench stash in 12-team PPR leagues, waiver-wire material in 10-team PPR leagues and a bench stash in half-PPR leagues. He is rostered in 97% of Sleeper leagues.
What is Jaylen Waddle's fantasy football role?
Jaylen Waddle is the Broncos' starting WR, with Troy Franklin behind him. He is averaging 6.7 targets a game, on 69% of the offensive snaps in 2026.
What are Jaylen Waddle's upcoming fantasy football matchups?
Jaylen Waddle's next three games are Week 4 at the 49ers (23rd in PPR points allowed to WRs, tough), Week 5 at the Chargers (16th in PPR points allowed to WRs, neutral) and Week 6 vs. the Seahawks (30th in PPR points allowed to WRs, tough). Zero of them are favorable by points allowed to the position.
How consistent has Jaylen Waddle been in fantasy football this season?
Jaylen Waddle has finished as a top-12 WR in 1 of his 3 games this season and outside the top 36 in 2. His weekly scoring has a standard deviation of 10.7 points around his 9.8-point average.
What is Jaylen Waddle's fantasy floor and ceiling?
This season Jaylen Waddle's floor has been 1.2 PPR points (Week 1, WR103) and his ceiling 21.8 (Week 2, WR9). His median week has been 6.4 points. See Waddle's full game log.
Jaylen Waddle 2026 Stats
2026 through Week 4 · Denver BroncosHe hasn't scored a touchdown yet, so all of his fantasy production has come from volume.
Receiving
- Rec
- 11
- Yards
- 150
- TD
- 0
- Targets
- 20
13.6 Y/R55.0% Catch %
Rushing
- Yards
- 14
- TD
- 0
1 Att14.0 Y/C
Fantasy (PPR)
- Points
- 29.4
- Pos rank
- WR38
21.8 Best Week 2 vs JAX1.2 Worst Week 1 @ KC
Advanced Receiving Stats
Waddle is a downfield target (13.1 yards per target last season), with a 23.0% target share this season.
| Stat | 2026 Thru Wk 4 | 2025 16 games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | ||||
| Yards per target | 7.5 | 42nd | 9.1 | 83rd |
| Fantasy points per target | 0.92 | 44th | 1.30 | 80th |
| Yards per route run | — | — | 2.33 | 90th |
| YAC per reception | 3.5 | 47th | 3.6 | 49th |
| Catch rate | 55.0% | 32nd | 64.0% | 57th |
| Usage | ||||
| Target share | 23.0% | 75th | 22.8% | 88th |
| Snap share | 69.7% | 54th | 77.6% | 70th |
| Air-yards share | 45.3% | 93rd | 40.7% | 97th |
| Red-zone targets | 1 | 20th | 11 | 62nd |
| Route participation | — | — | 80.2% | 78th |
| Style | ||||
| Average depth of target | 12.3 | 59th | 13.1 | 78th |
Percentiles: 2026 through Week 4 among 102 qualified WRs · 2025 (16 games, weeks 1–17) among 116. Grey bars describe style, not quality.
Profile: Waddle commands air yards and produces per route, but gets few red-zone targets.
For fantasy: his floor is his volume, 6.7 targets a game this season; efficiency decides how much of it becomes points.
Fantasy Points per Game, Every Season
9.8
Fantasy PPG
6.7
Targets/g
50
Rec yds/g
Jaylen Waddle career stats by season
| Season | GP | Tgt | Rec | Rec yds | Rec TD | Rush yds | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026to date | 3 | 20 | 11 | 150 | 0 | 14 | 29.4 | 9.8 | — |
| 2025 | 16 | 100 | 64 | 910 | 6 | 28 | 194.1 | 12.1 | WR24 |
| 2024 | 15 | 83 | 58 | 744 | 2 | 12 | 149.6 | 10.0 | WR46 |
| 2023 | 14 | 104 | 72 | 1,014 | 4 | 12 | 198.6 | 14.2 | WR34 |
| 2022 | 17 | 117 | 75 | 1,356 | 8 | 26 | 259.2 | 15.3 | WR8 |
| 2021 | 16 | 140 | 104 | 1,015 | 6 | 3 | 243.8 | 15.2 | WR13 |
| Career | 81 | 564 | 384 | 5,189 | 26 | 95 | 1074.7 | 13.3 | — |
What His Career Numbers Say
13.3
Career PPG
81 games over 6 seasons
92%
Availability
Share of team games he played
40%
Top-24 weeks
Share of his games as a top-24 WR
7.9
Weekly swing
Standard deviation, moderate
Waddle has averaged 13.3 fantasy points per game over 81 games and 6 seasons, with one top-12 finish (2022).
So far in 2026 he is at 9.8 per game, down 2.3 from 2025. His volume has held at about 6.7 targets a game, so the change is efficiency and scoring. His quarterback this season has been Bo Nix.
Career numbers describe the past; for what he is worth from here, see Waddle's rest-of-season rank and trade value in Redraft Command.
Career highs
- 1,356Rec yards2022
- 8Rec TD2022
- 259.2Fantasy pts2022 · WR8
- 5,189Career rec yds2021–2026
WRs like Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle Stats FAQ
How many fantasy points does Jaylen Waddle have in 2026?
Jaylen Waddle has 29.4 PPR fantasy points in 2026 through Week 4, 9.8 per game across 3 games. That total ranks WR38 at the position. See how those numbers break down week by week.
How many receiving yards does Jaylen Waddle have this season?
Jaylen Waddle has 150 receiving yards in 2026 through Week 4, on 11 catches and 20 targets. His high was 138 yards, in Week 2 against the Jaguars.
How many receptions does Jaylen Waddle have this season?
Jaylen Waddle has 11 receptions in 2026 through Week 4, 3.7 a game, on 20 targets. His high was 8 catches, in Week 2 against the Jaguars.
How many targets does Jaylen Waddle have this season?
Jaylen Waddle has drawn 20 targets in 2026 through Week 4, 6.7 a game, and caught 55% of them. His high was 10 targets, in Week 2 against the Jaguars.
How many receiving touchdowns does Jaylen Waddle have this season?
Jaylen Waddle has no receiving touchdowns in 2026 through Week 4.
How many receiving yards per game is Jaylen Waddle averaging?
Jaylen Waddle is averaging 50.0 receiving yards per game in 2026, 150 yards across 3 games.
How many yards per reception is Jaylen Waddle averaging?
Jaylen Waddle is averaging 13.6 yards per reception in 2026, 150 yards on 11 catches.
How many games has Jaylen Waddle played in 2026?
Jaylen Waddle has played 3 games in the 2026 season through Week 4.
What were Jaylen Waddle's stats last season?
In 2025, Jaylen Waddle caught 64 of 100 targets for 910 yards and 6 touchdowns in 16 games. That was 194.1 PPR points (12.1 per game), a WR24 finish.
What are Jaylen Waddle's career NFL stats?
Across 6 seasons and 81 games, Jaylen Waddle has 384 catches for 5,189 yards and 26 touchdowns, for 1074.7 PPR fantasy points (13.3 per game).
How many touchdowns does Jaylen Waddle have in his career?
Jaylen Waddle has 27 touchdowns in his NFL career: 1 rushing and 26 receiving, over 81 games.
How many career receiving yards does Jaylen Waddle have?
Jaylen Waddle has 5,189 career receiving yards over 6 seasons, on 384 catches.
Jaylen Waddle Game Log 2026
Games played
3
FPTS/G (PPR)
9.8
Targets/g
6.7
Rec/g
3.7
Rec yds/g
50.0
Yds/rec
13.6
Across 3 games in 2026, Jaylen Waddle has averaged 6.7 targets, 3.7 receptions and 9.8 PPR fantasy points per game. Jaylen Waddle has finished as a top-12 WR in 1 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 1. The best week was Week 2 against JAX (21.8 points); the lowest was Week 1 against KC (1.2).
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | TGT | REC | REC YDS | REC TD | YPR | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KC30th | L 10-31 | 1.2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR103 |
Week 1 · KC · L 10-31 · 1.2 pts
How the 1.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 2 | JAX20th | W 20-13 | 21.8 | 10 | 8 | 138 | 0 | 17.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR9 |
Week 2 · JAX · W 20-13 · 21.8 pts
How the 21.8 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 3 | LAR21st | W 30-26 | 6.4 | 7 | 2 | 10 | 0 | 5.0 | 1 | 14 | 0 | WR65 |
Week 3 · LAR · W 30-26 · 6.4 pts
How the 6.4 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to WRs across 2026: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
One WR1 week and two busts. For a wide receiver ranked WR38 overall, the spread matters more than the average: you get a top-24 ceiling and a waiver-wire floor.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Held in check by the Rams
2/7, 10 yds. 1 carry, 14 rush yds.
Just 1.4 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
WR1 week vs. Jacksonville
8/10, 138 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Shut down by Kansas City
1/3, 2 yds.
Just 0.7 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Fantasy Points By Week
- Weekly points
- Season average (9.8)
Upcoming Matchups
View matchup — Denver Broncos vs San Francisco 49ers
View matchup — Denver Broncos vs Los Angeles Chargers
View matchup — Denver Broncos vs Seattle Seahawks
View matchup — Denver Broncos vs Arizona Cardinals
Jaylen Waddle Game Log 2023
Games played
14
FPTS/G (PPR)
14.2
Targets/g
7.4
Rec/g
5.1
Rec yds/g
72.4
Yds/rec
14.1
Across 14 games in 2023, Jaylen Waddle has averaged 7.4 targets, 5.1 receptions and 14.2 PPR fantasy points per game. Jaylen Waddle has finished as a top-12 WR in 2 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 6. The best week was Week 15 against NYJ (28.2 points); the lowest was Week 16 against DAL (6.2).
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | TGT | REC | REC YDS | REC TD | YPR | CAR | RUSH YDS | RUSH TD | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LAC5th | W 36-34 | 11.8 | 5 | 4 | 78 | 0 | 19.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR31 |
Week 1 · LAC · W 36-34 · 11.8 pts
How the 11.8 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 2 | NE19th | W 24-17 | 12.4 | 6 | 4 | 86 | 0 | 21.5 | 1 | -2 | 0 | WR44 |
Week 2 · NE · W 24-17 · 12.4 pts
How the 12.4 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 3 | Did not play | |||||||||||
| 4 | BUF27th | L 20-48 | 8.6 | 5 | 4 | 46 | 0 | 11.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR47 |
Week 4 · BUF · L 20-48 · 8.6 pts
How the 8.6 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 5 | NYG9th | W 31-16 | 14.5 | 10 | 5 | 35 | 1 | 7.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR20 |
Week 5 · NYG · W 31-16 · 14.5 pts
How the 14.5 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 6 | CAR31st | W 42-21 | 18.1 | 9 | 7 | 51 | 1 | 7.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR13 |
Week 6 · CAR · W 42-21 · 18.1 pts
How the 18.1 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 7 | PHI2nd | L 17-31 | 12.3 | 6 | 6 | 63 | 0 | 10.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR27 |
Week 7 · PHI · L 17-31 · 12.3 pts
How the 12.3 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 8 | NE19th | W 31-17 | 25.1 | 12 | 7 | 121 | 1 | 17.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR6 |
Week 8 · NE · W 31-17 · 25.1 pts
How the 25.1 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 9 | KC28th | L 14-21 | 8.4 | 6 | 3 | 42 | 0 | 14.0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | WR39 |
Week 9 · KC · L 14-21 · 8.4 pts
How the 8.4 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 10 | Did not play | |||||||||||
| 11 | LV22nd | W 20-13 | 9.5 | 8 | 4 | 55 | 0 | 13.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR36 |
Week 11 · LV · W 20-13 · 9.5 pts
How the 9.5 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 12 | NYJ32nd | W 34-13 | 19.4 | 8 | 8 | 114 | 0 | 14.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR16 |
Week 12 · NYJ · W 34-13 · 19.4 pts
How the 19.4 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 13 | WAS1st | W 45-15 | 10.2 | 8 | 5 | 52 | 0 | 10.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR36 |
Week 13 · WAS · W 45-15 · 10.2 pts
How the 10.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 14 | TEN7th | L 27-28 | 13.9 | 8 | 6 | 79 | 0 | 13.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR20 |
Week 14 · TEN · L 27-28 · 13.9 pts
How the 13.9 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 15 | NYJ32nd | W 30-0 | 28.2 | 9 | 8 | 142 | 1 | 17.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | WR2 |
Week 15 · NYJ · W 30-0 · 28.2 pts
How the 28.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 16 | DAL29th | W 22-20 | 6.2 | 4 | 1 | 50 | 0 | 50.0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | WR68 |
Week 16 · DAL · W 22-20 · 6.2 pts
How the 6.2 points scored (PPR)
| ||||||||||||
| 17 | Did not play | |||||||||||
| 18 | Did not play | |||||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to WRs across 2023: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
Six WR1 weeks, four WR2 weeks and four busts. For a wide receiver who finished WR21 overall, the spread mattered more than the average: you got a top-5 ceiling and a waiver-wire floor.
Wk 1 WR31 · Wk 2 WR44 · Wk 4 WR47 · Wk 5 WR20 · Wk 6 WR13 · Wk 7 WR27 · Wk 8 WR6 · Wk 9 WR39 · Wk 11 WR36 · Wk 12 WR16 · Wk 13 WR36 · Wk 14 WR20 · Wk 15 WR2 · Wk 16 WR68
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Held in check by Dallas
1/4, 50 yds. 1 carry, 2 rush yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Season high in a win
8/9, 142 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
WR1 week vs. Tennessee
6/8, 79 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed right at his season average.
Steady in a win at Washington
5/8, 52 yds.
Just 6.5 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
WR1 week at the Jets
8/8, 114 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a win vs. Las Vegas
4/8, 55 yds.
Just 6.9 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Shut down by Kansas City
3/6, 42 yds. 1 carry, 12 rush yds.
Just 7.0 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
WR1 week vs. New England
7/12, 121 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a loss at Philadelphia
6/6, 63 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
WR1 week vs. Carolina
7/9, 51 yds, 1 TD.
Just 5.7 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
WR1 week vs. the Giants
5/10, 35 yds, 1 TD.
Just 3.5 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed right at his season average.
Shut down by Buffalo
4/5, 46 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Held in check by New England
4/6, 86 yds. 1 carry, -2 rush yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Efficient in a road upset
4/5, 78 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
WRs like Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle Game Log FAQ
How did Jaylen Waddle do in his last game?
Jaylen Waddle scored 6.4 PPR points in Week 3 against the Rams, a 30–26 win, a WR65 finish. He caught 2 of 7 targets for 10 yards, and ran for 14 yards. View his 2026 season totals.
How many fantasy points did Jaylen Waddle score in his last game?
Jaylen Waddle scored 6.4 PPR fantasy points in his last game, Week 3 against the Rams, a WR65 finish for the week. That was 3.4 below his season average of 9.8.
How many receiving yards did Jaylen Waddle have in his last game?
Jaylen Waddle had 10 receiving yards on 2 catches in Week 3 against the Rams, from 7 targets.
How many touchdowns did Jaylen Waddle score in his last game?
Jaylen Waddle did not score a touchdown in Week 3 against the Rams; his 6.4 points came from yardage and catches.
How many receptions did Jaylen Waddle have in his last game?
Jaylen Waddle caught 2 of 7 targets for 10 yards in Week 3 against the Rams.
What were Jaylen Waddle's stats in Week 2?
In Week 2 against the Jaguars, a 20–13 win, Jaylen Waddle caught 8 of 10 targets for 138 yards. That was 21.8 PPR points, a WR9 finish.
What was Jaylen Waddle's best game this season?
Jaylen Waddle's best 2026 game was Week 2 against the Jaguars: 21.8 PPR points, a WR9 finish. He caught 8 of 10 targets for 138 yards.
What was Jaylen Waddle's worst game this season?
Jaylen Waddle's lowest-scoring 2026 game was Week 1 at the Chiefs: 1.2 PPR points, a WR103 finish. He caught 1 of 3 targets for 2 yards.
How many games has Jaylen Waddle scored a touchdown in this season?
Jaylen Waddle has scored a touchdown in 0 of his 3 games this season.
Can I see Jaylen Waddle's game logs from previous seasons?
Yes. The season selector above the game log switches it to Waddle's weekly results from any season from 2021 through 2025.
Jaylen Waddle Rest-of-Season Outlook
Downfield WR4 for deep leagues only
Preseason Projection vs. Reality
He finished WR24 last season at 12.1 points per game.
Our Take After Week 4
Through 3 games he's WR38 at 9.8 PPR points per game, against 12.1 over 16 games last season (WR24). He's running behind last season's pace.
Last season he ranked 16th of 142 in target volume (21.6% target share), 3rd of 142 in downfield role (38.8% air-yards share) and 15th of 142 in efficiency (2.33 yards per route run). His points come from his downfield role. Bo Nix is his quarterback.
The main risk is the job itself. He's the listed starter with Troy Franklin next on the depth chart, and a benching or an injury would take his value to zero overnight.
The next favorable matchup is the Cardinals in Week 7 (4th against WRs).
Read our preseason outlook (June 2026)
Published June 16, 2026. Kept for reference; the take above replaces it.
Don't let the modest box score fool you: Waddle's 2025 was quietly elite by efficiency. He posted a 0.345 EPA per play and a 56% success rate while commanding a 21.6% target share and a 0.597 WOPR across 16 games. His 2.33 yards per route run and 13.06 air yards per target show a downfield threat who simply lacked enough looks in Miami's run-leaning attack, turning 100 targets into 64 grabs for 910 yards and six scores.
Now he's the centerpiece of Denver's passing game, and that volume jump is the whole thesis. Bo Nix tilts short and intermediate, which fits Waddle's separation profile even if it caps the air-yard ceiling. His three prior 21-plus target-share campaigns all cleared 18.9%, so the role is proven. Injuries remain the lone caveat, but a true No. 1 workload makes a WR2 finish the floor and a breakout entirely live.
What Drives His Outlook
His 2025 rank among the 142 receivers who played at least six games. Each bar is one receiver, best on the left; his is highlighted.
Target volume
Downfield role
Efficiency
- Average depth of target
- 13.1
- Drop rate
- 5.0%
- Red-zone targets
- 11
- Route participation
- 75.7%
- YAC per reception
- 3.6
What Could Change His Value
Upside
- A soft spotThe Cardinals in Week 7 is a top-10 matchup for WRs.Wk 4 SF, 23rdWk 5 LAC, 16thWk 6 SEA, 30thWk 7 ARI, 4th
- Heavy target volume21.6% target share, 16th of 142 WRs in 2025.
- Downfield role38.8% air-yards share, 3rd of 142 WRs in 2025.
Risk
- Job securityTroy Franklin is next on the depth chart; a benching or injury hands him the job.
- Tough matchupsThe 49ers in Week 4 (23rd) and the Seahawks in Week 6 (30th) are among the stingiest defenses against WRs.
WRs like Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle Fantasy Outlook FAQ
What is Jaylen Waddle's fantasy outlook for the rest of the 2026 season?
Jaylen Waddle projects as a downfield WR4 for deep leagues only for the rest of the 2026 season: a bench stash in 12-team PPR leagues, waiver-wire material in 10-team PPR leagues and a bench stash in half-PPR leagues. His downfield role (38.8% air-yards share, 3rd of 142 WRs in 2025) supports that. See his live rank in Redraft Command.
What is Jaylen Waddle's rest-of-season fantasy ranking?
Jaylen Waddle is the WR38 in PPR points per game through Week 4. That puts him in WR4 territory, waiver-wire material in 10-team PPR leagues.
What is Jaylen Waddle's projected role going forward?
Jaylen Waddle is the listed starting WR, with Troy Franklin next on the depth chart. Nothing on the chart threatens the job, so the role is his to lose on performance.
Will Jaylen Waddle get more targets?
Jaylen Waddle's targets are trending up: 8.5 a game over his last two games against 6.7 for the season. His share of the offense is what his fantasy value rides on.
What is Jaylen Waddle's fantasy football upside?
Jaylen Waddle's upside: his ceiling this season is 21.8 PPR points (Week 2, WR9), his downfield role (38.8% air-yards share, 3rd of 142 WRs in 2025) gives him a weekly floor to build on and the Cardinals in Week 7 is a top-10 matchup for WRs.
What could hurt Jaylen Waddle's fantasy value?
Jaylen Waddle's risks: Troy Franklin is next on the depth chart if he is benched or hurt and the 49ers in Week 4 and the Seahawks in Week 6 are tough matchups. See his injury status and history.
How difficult is Jaylen Waddle's remaining fantasy schedule?
Difficult: of his next seven games, 1 comes against a top-10 matchup for WRs and 5 against one of the stingiest defenses, by PPR points allowed to the position.
Jaylen Waddle Injury Update & History
Practice participation
Final report: Friday, Oct 2| Week | Injury | Wed | Thu | Fri | Game status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 4@ SF, Oct 4 | — | — | — | Full | No status |
Injury History at a Glance
Eight logged injuries in six seasons. His lost time is spread out: the most any one injury cost was 2 games.
Durability
97/100
Games missed
Injuries
Longest absence
Knee injury · 2024
Where He's Been Hurt
Marker size shows games missed. A dashed ring means he played through it.
| Body part | Injuries | Games missed |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle | 1 | 2 |
| Knee | 1 | 2 |
| Chest / ribs | 1 | 1 |
| Concussion | 1 | 1 |
| Foot / toe | 1 | 0 |
| Hamstring | 1 | 0 |
| Hip / groin | 1 | 0 |
| Shoulder | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 8 | 6 |
Injury risk profile: Moderate
- No body part injured twice
- Ribs in 2025, 1 game missed
- 6 games in 6 seasons, 2 of them in 2024
- 8 injuries spread across 8 body parts
Jaylen Waddle Injury History
Every logged injury, most recent first. Games missed are regular-season games.
- 2026
Healthy 0 games missed
No injury has cost Waddle a game this season.
- 2025
Ribs · Right 1 game
Waddle suffered a rib injury in Week 17 against the Buccaneers and was inactive for the season finale in Week 18.
- 2025
Foot Played through
Following the bye week, Waddle was listed with a foot injury and was limited in practice but played in Week 13.
- 2025
Hamstring Played through
Waddle was limited in practice in Week 8 due to hamstring soreness in both legs but did not miss any games.
- 2025
Shoulder · Left Played through
Waddle dealt with a minor shoulder injury in Week 2 and was listed as questionable but played through it.
- 2024
Knee · Right 2 games
Waddle sustained a right knee injury in Week 15 against the Texans and was listed as doubtful for Week 16, ultimately missing the next two games.
- 2023
High Ankle Sprain 2 games
Waddle suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 16 against the Cowboys, which caused him to miss the final two games of the regular season.
- 2023
Concussion 1 game
Waddle suffered a concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit in Week 2 against the Patriots and missed the following week's game.
- 2022
Groin Played through
Waddle was listed as questionable with a groin injury ahead of Week 4 but played through the issue. Waddle was again listed as questionable with a groin injury for Week 5 but was able to play.
If Waddle Misses Time
Next man up: Troy Franklin
Troy Franklin is next on the Broncos depth chart at wide receiver. The targets would likely spread across the offense rather than pass to one player, so he's a waiver add only if Waddle misses time.
Who else it affects
His absence would move work to the rest of the offense, and Bo Nix would lose one of his main options.
WRs like Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle Injury FAQ
Is Jaylen Waddle injured?
No. As of October 2, 2026, Jaylen Waddle is active with no injury designation. He has played every game in 2026.
Is Jaylen Waddle playing this week?
Jaylen Waddle has no injury designation for Week 4 at the 49ers on Sunday, October 4, so he is on track to play. Should you start him?
Did Jaylen Waddle practice this week?
Jaylen Waddle's Week 4 practice report: Fri full.
Has Jaylen Waddle missed any games this season?
No. Jaylen Waddle has played in every Broncos game in 2026, 3 games so far.
What is Jaylen Waddle's injury history?
Jaylen Waddle has 8 logged NFL injuries, which have cost him 6 games in all: 2 for a right knee injury in 2024, 2 for a high ankle sprain in 2023, 1 for a right ribs injury in 2025 and 1 for a concussion in 2023. No body part has been injured twice.
What was Jaylen Waddle's most recent injury?
Jaylen Waddle's most recent logged injury was a right ribs injury in Week 17 of 2025. It cost him 1 game.
Does Jaylen Waddle have any recurring injuries?
No. Jaylen Waddle's eight logged injuries were to eight different body parts, so the record shows no recurring pattern.
What was Jaylen Waddle's worst injury?
Jaylen Waddle's longest absence came from a right knee injury in 2024, which cost him 2 games of the 6 he has missed in his career.
Latest Jaylen Waddle News & Updates
Considered OK despite boot (opens in new tab)
Avoided serious injury, remains in good shape despite being seen in a walking boot.
Fantasy take: He carries no injury designation for Week 4 so far.
Season Timeline
Every update this season, grouped by week, newest first.
Week 3Sep 27W 30–26 vs LAR
Fantasy impact: Negative. Waddle struggles vs. Los Angeles
6.4 fantasy points · WR65 · 3.4 below his 9.8 average
Waddle caught 2 of 7 targets for 10 yards in the 30–26 win vs. Los Angeles. That was 23% of the team's targets.
Game logWeek 2Sep 20W 20–13 vs JAX
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Breakout performance in Week 2 win (opens in new tab)
Delivered a breakout game in the Week 2 victory, flashing high-end fantasy upside.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 2: 21.8 PPR points, a WR9 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Positive. Waddle delivers WR1 week vs. Jacksonville
21.8 fantasy points · WR9 · 12.0 above his 9.8 average
Waddle caught 8 of 10 targets for 138 yards in the 20–13 win vs. Jacksonville. That was 34% of the team's targets.
Game logWeek 1Sep 14L 10–31 @ KC
Fantasy impact: Negative. Waddle struggles at Kansas City
1.2 fantasy points · WR103 · 8.6 below his 9.8 average
Waddle caught 1 of 3 targets for 2 yards in the 31–10 loss at Kansas City. That was 11% of the team's targets.
Game logFantasy impact: Neutral. Nearly blanked in Broncos debut (opens in new tab)
Managed minimal production in debut; fantasy impact negligible this week.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 1: 1.2 PPR points, a WR103 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)PreseasonAugust
Fantasy impact: Neutral. May play Friday (opens in new tab)
Could return to the field Friday.
Fantasy take: A preseason health note; his Week 1 availability is what matters for fantasy.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. In full pads for practice Tuesday (opens in new tab)
Participated in practice fully padded Tuesday, a positive sign for his availability.
Fantasy take: A roster move: watch how it changes his snaps and targets in the next game.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Returns to practice Monday (opens in new tab)
Back at practice Monday, trending toward playing in the upcoming game.
Fantasy take: Practice and camp notes are context; his usage in games is what moves his value.
Read full report (opens in new tab)
No updates of this type yet this season.
Broncos Teammates News
Updates on Waddle's quarterback and target competition.
- Courtland Sutton: Team-high 46 rec yards in comeback win (opens in new tab)Courtland Sutton, WR. 16 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- RJ Harvey: Seven targets, two carries in Week 3 (opens in new tab)RJ Harvey, RB. 11 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Bo Nix: Three totals TDs in second-half comeback (opens in new tab)Bo Nix, QB. 93 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- RJ Harvey: Cleared to return vs. Rams (opens in new tab)RJ Harvey, RB. 11 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- RJ Harvey: Getting evaluated for concussion (opens in new tab)RJ Harvey, RB. 11 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- RJ Harvey: Upgrades to full practice (opens in new tab)RJ Harvey, RB. 11 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
Around the Broncos
WRs like Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle News FAQ
What is the latest news on Jaylen Waddle?
The latest Waddle update, from September 29: Considered OK despite boot. Avoided serious injury, remains in good shape despite being seen in a walking boot.
How does the latest Jaylen Waddle news affect his fantasy value?
Not much: He carries no injury designation for Week 4 so far. See the updated fantasy outlook.
Did Jaylen Waddle sign with a new team?
The latest signing news on Waddle: In full pads for practice Tuesday (August 18). Participated in practice fully padded Tuesday, a positive sign for his availability.
Jaylen Waddle Bio
Jaylen Waddle is a wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, where he wears No. 17. Born November 25, 1998, in Houston, TX, he attended Episcopal and played college football at Alabama.
The Miami Dolphins selected Waddle in round 1, pick 6, of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was traded to the Miami Dolphins on March 26, 2021. He was traded to the Denver Broncos on March 17, 2026. Since then, Waddle joined the Denver Broncos in 2026.
In 81 regular-season games since 2021, he has caught 384 passes for 5,189 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Career Timeline
2 stops with 2 teams in 6 seasons. Each block's width is the time he spent there.
What happened at each stop
Most recent first.
Denver Broncos Current team2026–present
Acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins on March 17, 2026. He was a starter, playing at least half the offensive snaps in 3 of 3 games.
Miami Dolphins2021–2025
Selected in round 1, pick 6, of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was a starter, playing at least half the offensive snaps in 74 of 78 games.
College: Alabama
Transactions
- ContractContract restructured to create cap space with the Denver Broncos.
- TradedTraded by the Miami Dolphins to the Denver Broncos for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
- ContractAgreed to a three-year, $84.75 million contract extension with the Miami Dolphins.
- ContractFifth-year option exercised by the Miami Dolphins.
- SignedSigned with the Miami Dolphins.
- DraftedSelected by the Miami Dolphins in round 1, pick 6.
- TradedTraded by the Philadelphia Eagles to the Miami Dolphins for LB Micah Parsons, CB Zech McPhearson and a 2022 first-round pick.
WRs like Jaylen Waddle
About Jaylen Waddle: Bio FAQ
How old is Jaylen Waddle?
Jaylen Waddle is 27 years old. He was born on November 25, 1998. 2026 is his 6th NFL season.
How tall is Jaylen Waddle?
Jaylen Waddle is 5 feet 10 inches tall (5'10"), listed at 185 pounds, and plays wide receiver for the Denver Broncos.
How much does Jaylen Waddle weigh?
Jaylen Waddle weighs 185 pounds, his listed weight on the Denver Broncos roster. He is listed at 5'10".
What number does Jaylen Waddle wear?
Jaylen Waddle wears number 17 for the Denver Broncos. He plays wide receiver.
What position does Jaylen Waddle play?
Jaylen Waddle plays wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, wearing number 17. 2026 is his 6th season in the NFL.
What team does Jaylen Waddle play for?
Jaylen Waddle plays for the Denver Broncos as a wide receiver. He has been with the Broncos since 2026.
Where did Jaylen Waddle go to college?
Jaylen Waddle played college football at Alabama, after attending Episcopal (TX). The Miami Dolphins drafted him out of Alabama in 2021.
When was Jaylen Waddle drafted?
The Miami Dolphins selected Jaylen Waddle in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 6th overall pick, out of Alabama.
What round was Jaylen Waddle drafted in?
Jaylen Waddle was a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, taken 6th overall by the Miami Dolphins.
What pick was Jaylen Waddle in the NFL Draft?
Jaylen Waddle was the 6th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round.
Where is Jaylen Waddle from?
Jaylen Waddle went to high school in Texas, at Episcopal, before playing college football at Alabama.
When is Jaylen Waddle's birthday?
Jaylen Waddle's birthday is November 25. He was born on November 25, 1998 and is 27 years old.
How long has Jaylen Waddle been in the NFL?
2026 is Jaylen Waddle's 6th NFL season; he entered the league in 2021 as a first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins. View his career statistics.
What teams has Jaylen Waddle played for?
Jaylen Waddle has played for the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos. View his career statistics.
What year did Jaylen Waddle enter the NFL?
Jaylen Waddle entered the NFL in 2021, when the Miami Dolphins drafted him in the first round. 2026 is his 6th season.