Friday Faceoff: Which Denver Broncos player should you pick in fantasy football for the upcoming NFL season?

Chris Schmaedeke, digital sports editor

Answer: Evan Engram, tight end

When was the last time the Broncos had a reliable tight end that was a threat in the red zone? Was it Julius Thomas when Peyton Manning was getting him the ball?

It is time for the Broncos to once again field that dynamic on offense and for Denver to have a tight end that could be a fantasy football steal.

Free-agent tight end Evan Engram, if he stays healthy, will be a great option for Sean Payton and Bo Nix when the Broncos are inside the 20-yard line. If defenses are taking away Courtland Sutton, Engram is as good of a second option as Denver has had in a while.

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Engram has scored 25 touchdowns in his career, the best season being his rookie season with six with the New York Giants. He had two seasons with the Jaguars in which he scored four touchdowns. He can find the end zone when he’s on the field.

The numbers won’t be like the Raiders’ Brock Bowers or Colorado State graduate Trey McBride with the Cardinals. But if Engram truly is Payton’s “Joker,” then he will get plenty of touches and chances to score.

You wouldn’t take him high in your fantasy draft, and he may not even be your top tight end, but Engram is perfect for a “flex” position and as your second tight end. And it’s been a long time since a Broncos tight end was discussed in that way.

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Answer: Bo Nix, quarterback

Bo Nix owns the beating heart of Broncos Country.

He is now the face of Denver. That became clear this offseason when Nix earned standing ovations as a fan watching games at Ball Arena and Coors Field. His first pitch before Rockies-Yankees in May? A perfect strike.

Nix also brings serious value as a late-round pick in fantasy football.

He checked all the boxes in his rookie season, leading the Broncos back to the NFL postseason, and there’s reason to believe he’ll avoid the so-called sophomore slump. Specifically, two reason…

1. Continuity: The Broncos return their starting offensive line, No. 1 wide receiver Courtland Sutton and play caller/head coach Sean Payton.

2. Additions: Denver filled key needs in free agency at offensive skill positions with running back J.K. Dobbins and tight end Evan Engram.

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Nix brings dual-threat production after throwing for 3,775 yards (29 touchdowns) and rushing for 430 yards (four touchdowns) as a rookie. His potential to improve those numbers is strong with a better supporting cast and the possibility of a consistent ground game. Rookie running back RJ Harvey, a second-round pick, has breakout potential.

You can make a strong argument Denver’s defense is the smartest fantasy play. It finished last season ranked third in the NFL for scoring defense (18.3 points per game), red-zone defense (46.9% TD rate) and rushing defense (96.4 yards per game).

But that simply strengthens the case of picking Nix in your upcoming fantasy football draft.