Yes — Sean Payton has taken back play-calling duties as of Week 5 of the 2026 season. Here's the full story:
What happened: Payton handed play-calling to first-time OC Davis Webb back in February, but after a sluggish start to the season, he pulled the plug. The breaking point was Week 4 against San Francisco, where Bo Nix posted just 4.6 air yards per attempt — 29 of his 42 passes went behind the line or within 10 yards, and RB RJ Harvey led the team in targets. (from the Bo Nix page)
The change: Payton told reporters "I'll call the plays" starting Week 5 vs. the Chargers, vowing to "take the offense off the leash" with more aggressive vertical shots. Webb stays heavily involved in game planning but no longer calls the plays. (from the Bo Nix page)
What the experts said:
- FantasyPros tied the move directly to fantasy value: "Sean Payton is now taking back over play-calling duties in Denver. So, like, does that change how you're viewing Waddle?" — wondering if it boosts Jaylen Waddle's ceiling.
- Establish The Run predicted it early: "I feel like by week three, Sean Payton is going to be calling plays again for the Broncos."
- Underdog's Josh & Hayden noted that after Week 4, when Payton was asked about Webb's play-calling, he replied, "It's too early to consider... It's tough to discuss any of that right now." — a clear sign the change was coming.
Fantasy takeaway: This is a bullish signal for Bo Nix and the entire Denver passing game — Payton's return to calling plays historically unlocks more downfield volume, which should boost the ceilings of Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton compared to the dink-and-dunk approach under Webb.