Courtland Sutton 2023 Outlook
Sutton's catches and receptions in 2022 were the second highest of his career. But finding the end zone was tough during Russell Wilson's first season as Denver's quarterback. Over the past two seasons, Sutton has just four touchdowns in 122 receptions. Even in his Pro Bowl season of 2019, Sutton only caught six scoring passes while accumulating 72 receptions and 1,112 yards. It's hard to say if Sutton can approach those numbers this season. Wilson doesn't figure to play as poorly as he did last season so some level of improvement of the Broncos' offense should be expected. New coach Sean Payton is used to finding ways to move the football. The other factor is the ACL tear Sutton sustained in 2020. He simply hasn't been as good since the setback. Sutton's lone 100-yard outing in 2022 came in Week 2. He fell three yards short the following week and later had a three-week stretch in which he totaled six receptions for 50 yards. Sutton's single-game high for catches last year was eight. He had three or fewer five times.
Courtland Sutton 2022 Outlook
Sutton missed the Peyton Manning era in Denver by three seasons and has instead been around for the Broncos' revolving door at quarterback. From Case Keenum to Joe Flacco to Drew Lock to Teddy Bridgewater and a host of subs, Sutton has caught passes from a cavalcade of QBs. With the Broncos executing the seismic trade for Russell Wilson this offseason, Sutton can already feel the altered atmosphere surrounding the club. "We all can feel it," Sutton said Tuesday. "The juice is just different. ..." It's also enough for Sutton to draw considerable fantasy interest. As Rotowire's Jim Coventry recently noted, despite playing with the trio of Joe Flacco, Drew Lock and Brandon Allen in 2019, Sutton posted more than 1,100 yards and six scores on just 125 targets. On nine occasions, he surpassed 70 yards. He also had 18 receptions of at least 20 yards. While Sutton, a full year removed from a torn ACL, seemed to struggle last year, it's fair to question the quarterback play as much as the receiver himself. Wilson supported two strong fantasy WRs during his days in Seattle, and along with Jerry Jeudy, Sutton gives him an excellent duo in Denver. And if the Broncos make Wilson the centerpiece of the offense, Coventry believes Sutton should see at least 120 targets, giving him a chance for a career year.
Courtland Sutton 2021 Outlook
Sutton did not miss a game over his first two seasons, but played only one game in 2020. He missed the season opener after an AC joint separation in a Week 1 practice. Sutton returned to play 31 snaps in Week 2, and then just like that, his season was over. He tore the ACL in his left knee in the Sept. 20 loss to the Steelers. Sutton spent the rest of the season rehabbing. On Jan. 14, he jogged on the knee for the first time since his injury. "It was such a surreal moment," Sutton told the Denver Post. Sutton took about "three minutes" to sulk, but since his surgery, he has attacked every day "ferociously." Coach Vic Fangio told reporters in June he doesn't anticipate Sutton beginning training camp on the PUP list, so the wideout's work will apparently pay off. Sutton had 42 catches for 704 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie and 72 receptions for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns in 2019. He finished last season with three touches for 66 yards in his only game. Assuming he gets competent quarterback play -- whether it's Drew Lock or recently-acquired Teddy Bridgewater -- Sutton's price will make him an appealing play with ample upside.
