Key Relevant Fantasy Additions
Overview
As long as this team has Peyton Manning, the Denver Broncos will always be a place most people will turn to for players for their fantasy football team. But with a new coach and Manning a little longer in the tooth, in combination with a much stronger run game, the fantasy points could be a little more evenly distributed across this team. One thing can be certain, although it doesn’t affect fantasy implications, this team is almost a lock to disappoint when the playoffs roll around.
Quarterback
Despite the rumors about his health being the reason the Broncos turned to the running game so much last year, Manning is still arguably a top five option at quarterback. Although he’s probably no longer a first round pick, he should still go within the second to fourth in a lot of fantasy drafts. You just can turn your back on a quarterback whose floor is around 4,200 yards and around 35 touchdowns. His 15 interceptions were his highest since his last year in Indianapolis but his high scoring will more than make up for that. Despite the losses of Thomas and Welker, I expect Manning to put up his usual numbers, he’s done it with less before.
Grade: A
Running Back
In his second year in the league, C.J. Anderson showed what he could do when given carries worthy of a starting running back. Although Anderson is the starter, Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson could pose as a cause for worry. Even though his college years are a few years behind him, Ball was the master of the rushing touchdown. That could create a vulture situation if both backs remain healthy during the season. Hillman and Thompson also did well with their carries. But for now Anderson is the clear No. 1 with a murky situation behind him. Anderson needs to stay on top of his game or he could lose carries in a hurry.
Grade: B+
Wide Receiver
The clear number one receiver on this team is Demaryius Thomas, of course. He’s coming off a monster season with 111 receptions for 1,619 yards and 11 touchdowns. With Welker and Thomas gone, that could open even more opportunities for Thomas to flourish. Along side him is Emmanuel Sanders, who will also be a solid fantasy option as a mid round pick. Sanders also had a monster season with 104 catches, 1,404 yards and nine touchdowns, all career highs. As with any Peyton Manning led offense, the backup wide receivers will be in position to put up monster games from time to time. Andre Caldwell and Cody Latimer could be decent plug and plays depending on the matchups and must adds if there’s an injury to Thomas or Sanders
Grade: A
Tight End
Owen Daniels seems to be the top candidate to take over the tight end position for the departed Julius Thomas, whose now making big money out in Jacksonville. Daniels hasn’t played a full season since 2008, so I would keep an eye on Virgil Green and make sure he’s available in the free agent pool in case the inevitable happens. If Daniels stays healthy he is no doubt poised to have a career year with Manning being the best quarterback he’s ever played with. There are no top flight players at this position, but they are solid options if you don’t have an opportunity to pick a top ranked tight end.
Grade: B
Summary
This version of the Denver Broncos should continue to be an offensive juggernaut. Even though Manning is nearing the end of the line (according to Tom Brady) this year should be no different from past seasons. A ton of passing yards and a lot of touchdown passes. With the strength of the running game, there may not be as many short yardage touchdowns as there have been with this offense in the past, but this roster is filled with must-have players for any fantasy football drafter. Their defense is decent, but if teams are able to slow down the Broncos pass rush, we could be in line for a lot of 24-21 type football games this season. This should be a very solid offense overall.
Overall Grade: A-
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