Tim Patrick or Diontae Spencer: Who Helps Courtland Sutton Carry Load for Broncos With K.J. Hamler Done?

The Denver Broncos receiving corps are getting thinner by the day. 

Jerry Jeudy is already on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain, although he is expected to return this season. Denver also lost 2020 second-round pick K.J. Hamler to a torn ACL in its Week 3 win over the New York Jets. 

Hamler was the perfect replacement for Jeudy, as he already had a role in the offense as a deep threat and slot target. After Hamler went down on Sunday, Diontae Spencer became the Broncos’ No. 3 receiver behind Tim Patrick and Courtland Sutton. 

Sutton, who tore his ACL last season, had a nine-catch performance in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and is clearly Denver’s No. 1 wideout, but Patrick has impressed once again in 2021 after a breakout season in the 2020 campaign. 

Through three games, Patrick has 12 receptions on 13 targets for 174 yards and two touchdowns. He saw the most volume he’s seen all season in Week 3 after the Hamler injury, catching all five of his targets for 98 yards to lead the team. 

Patrick has held a much bigger role in the Broncos offense over the past few seasons, but Spencer offers more of the skills that Hamler brought to Denver. 

A smaller speedy receiver, Spencer gives Denver some contrast from Patrick and Sutton, who are both taller targets that primarily play on the outside. Spencer caught his lone target on Sunday for a three-yard loss. 

It’s also possible that Vic Fangio’s team relies more on tight ends Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam underneath until Jeudy is able to return to the lineup. 

Patrick would be the best bet to take on a bigger role of the receivers, as he saw the most targets after Hamler went down on Sunday and has proven to be a solid red zone target for Teddy Bridgewater. 

The Broncos are 3-0 and will host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. WynnBET has Denver as a one-point home favorite in that matchup. 

While the Broncos have been a surprise team, they have already lost Hamler (season), Jeudy (4-6 weeks), Bradley Chubb (6-8 weeks) and Josey Jewell (season) to long-term injuries. Denver has weathered the storm so far, but the Broncos 10.5 win projection (the over is set at -120) may be a bit lofty if they continue to lose key players. 

Are the Broncos for real? Make your pick at WynnBET.