Fantasy Upside
Heading in to the season, Mark Sanchez is the only Broncos QB who has actually thrown a regular season NFL pass. He has 72 career regular-season starts along with six playoff starts, so he at least has experience on his side. There is potential with Sanchez, who had his best season was with the Jets in ’11 when he threw for nearly 3,500 yards and 26 TDs. Mark has some great weapons to throw to in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, and if the running game returns for the Broncos, that will take some pressure off of their QB. Whomever the Denver QB is, he will be protected by big, free-agent signee left tackle Russell Okung.
Fantasy Downside
Last season with the Eagles, Mark Sanchez threw only 91 passes in four games, tossing for 616 yards, with four scores and four INTs. Including Okung, the Broncos could have four new starters on the offensive line since winning the Super Bowl. Butt-fumbling aside, Mark has been a turnover machine during his career, averaging 17 picks in his four years with New York. Lack of ball control is something that could find him on the bench, or out of a job, with Denver. Only once has he finished a season ranked better than 18th among QBs in fantasy points.
Bottom Line
Due to his NFL experience, Mark could be the opening week starter, but his preseason struggles and turnovers have put that in serious doubt. He hasn’t been an effective passer during his career and with Coach Gary Kubiak’s emphasis on the ground game, there are few reasons for Sanchez to be on your roster. Depending on if and how long he's the signal caller, Mark should only be considered for spot starts if you’re in need of a QB replacement. Trevor Siemian will be vying for the starting nod and eventually the job will be Paxton Lynch’s, whether that is later this season or in 2017.