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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 2: Who to choose for Broncos-Chiefs on Thursday Night Football

Kansas City had a strong start to the season, while Denver won but had some questions. Who will get to 2-0?

Three of the four AFC West teams won in Week 1. The Kansas City Chiefs took a big early lead and rode it out. The San Diego Chargers had to come from behind. The Denver Broncos struggled to put points on the board, but still managed to win despite a whole host of questions coming out of the game. Thursday, the Chiefs and Broncos play, both looking to get to 2-0 and first place in the division alone.

The Broncos come into Week 2 with some injury questions. Quarterback Peyton Manning and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas were both listed on the injury report as probable, while running back C.J. Anderson is officially questionable with an ankle injury. Despite the listing, though, there is little reason to think Anderson won't play Thursday. On the Chiefs side, tight end Travis Kelce will be a full go despite an appearance on the injury report. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin will play as well, though he is dealing with a back problem.

The Broncos are in Kansas City for the game, which is scheduled for 8:25 p.m. ET Thursday. Let’s take a look at the fantasy considerations:

BRONCOS

Start ‘em: Despite some injury questions and a spotty first game, C.J. Anderson remains a must-start. ... Demaryius Thomas is a safe bet; even if the offense struggles, the top weapon will get used. ... Somehow, the Broncos’ defense has become the team’s strong suit.

Start 'em?: It's come to this, but after a bad Week 1 and a rough end of the 2014 season, Peyton Manning just can't be a must-start. He's a QB2, but obviously with massive upside. ... If Manning is on the decline, you'll see it first in the tertiary weapons; the main guys will get theirs. That doesn't bode well for Emmanuel Sanders, who you are probably still using, but who no longer looks like a guarantee. ... You would think the floor of the Denver offense would still give Brandon McManus plenty of kicking opportunities.

Sit 'em: If Anderson continues to struggle, we might see something from Ronnie Hillman, but we aren't there yet. ... There is still upside to Owen Daniels, but until we see it, he should sit.

CHIEFS

Start 'em: Yeah, you're still using Jamaal Charles. No worries there. ... The Chiefs weren't heavy on Jeremy Maclin last week, though with a handy lead early, they didn't need to. He's still a strong weapon. ... Travis Kelce proved he's an every-week starter in Week 1.

Start 'em?: You'll find Cairo Santos within a couple spots either way of No. 10 at kicker pretty much every week. ... If the Broncos continue to struggle, defenses will be more usable against them, but let's let the Chiefs' defense be just a "maybe" for a week to confirm.

Sit ‘em: Despite a good Week 1, Alex Smith just doesn’t seem like he has the upside you want out of a starting fantasy quarterback.

SUMMARY

Start in every league: C.J. Anderson, Demaryius Thomas, Denver defense, Jamaal Charles, Jeremy Maclin, Travis Kelce
Start if you’re desperate: Peyton Manning, Emmanuel Sanders, Brandon McManus, Cairo Santos, Kansas City defense
Bench: Ronnie Hillman, Owen Daniels, Alex Smith

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