2016 Fantasy Football Team Preview: Denver Broncos

2015 Fantasy Recap

The Denver Broncos might be the defending Superbowl champions, but we all know they got there on the back of a historically great defense.  With an underwhelming performance at the quarterback position, the wide receivers really had to pick up the game.  Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas still had solid numbers in both receptions and yards, and the run game lead by CJ Anderson down the final stretch relieved some pressure from whichever QB was under center.  Look for the mostly intact historic defense to carry this team, and if the offense can be better than last year, they are easily a contender for not only another Superbowl win, but to take your team to a fantasy championship as well.

Key Additions and Losses

Additions:

• Paxton Lynch
• Mark Sanchez

Losses:

• Peyton Manning
• Brock Osweiler

QuarterBack Fantasy Outlook

 

The whirlwind that is the quarterback position in Denver.  With the retirement of Payton Manning and the abrupt departure of Brock Osweiler,  Denver was left in an awkward position.  They grabbed Mark Sanchez from the Jets during free agency and drafted Paxton Lynch in the 1st round of the 2016 draft.  Also on the depth chart is Trever Siemian. Right now it is in open competition with all 3 of them getting 1st team snaps during OTA.  Sanchez is seen as the starter by many, due to being the only one having played an NFL game.   Lynch is the future, but is the future now? If Sanchez can’t hold on to the ball, I see Lynch going in early.  After all, if coach Kubiak is willing to bench Manning, he will have no problems benching Sanchez.  And the sleeper, Siemian? Do not count him out, but I don’t see him winning it, despite knowing the offense and system better than the other two.  All said and done, the QB just needs to be a good game manager and let the defense carry them.

Grade:  D+

 Running Back Fantasy Outlook

CJ Anderson was signed and paid as a top back this offseason, and is expected to see a bulk of the touches.  During the 2015 season, he touched the ball 152 for 720 yards. During the final stretch, he looked like a true bell cow, and we hope he picks up and builds from there. Ronnie Hillman was surprisingly resigned during the offseason. He has speed but has problems getting to open space.  I expect the rookie, Devontae Booker, to become the backup to Anderson, and see a fair amount of playing time. Both Anderson and Booker should thrive in the system that Kubiak favors.

Grade:  B+

Wide Receiver Fantasy Outlook

Right here is why it doesn’t matter who the QB is.  One of the best duos in the league Demaryius Thomas and Emmanual Sanders.  They both are deserving to be taken fairly early in any draft.  Thomas caught 105 passes for over 1300 yards and 6 TDS.  That was with subpar QB play!  Sanders likewise drew solid No. 2 numbers with 76 catches for over 1100 yards and also landed 6 TDs.  That means the top 2 WR’s caught over 2400 yards and 12 TD’s.  With these two explosive playmakers, they will be looked at often, no matter who is under center.   I expect them to be able to do the same numbers, if not better. With Jordan Norwood and Cody Latimer playing for the 3rd spot, expect each of them to make the most of every pass made to them.  Keep an eye on these for deep leagues.

Grade: A+

 Tight End Fantasy Outlook

The tight end, whoever ends up winning the starting spot, will see a lot of action in Kubiak’s system.  The leading contenders are returners Jeff Heuerman and Virgil Green, along with newcomer Garrett Graham.  I personally like Graham, he has worked under Kubiak in Houston and knows his offense.  He put up some great numbers there and hopes to bring back the magic.  His best year he put up 49 catches for over 540 yards and 5 TDs.  Green had some playing time last year, for a total of 18 catches for just under 200 yards and only 1 TD.  Heuerman had a great college career, then got hurt and missed his rookie season.  He is 100% healthy now and is looking to prove is worthy of that 3rd round pick last year.  Overall, I think this group has a lot of potential but has a lot to prove.  With the unknown QB situation, I would watch and be ready to pick up on the waiver wire, or in a deep league take Graham.

Grade:  C+

Defensive Fantasy Outlook

A historic defense that is primed to repeat!  With Von Miller looking to sign a new contract to make him the highest paid non QB in history, it won’t be going away anytime soon.  Add in the other LB Demarcus Ware to the other side, no one is getting away.  The 2 had over 14 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.  Cornerbacks Chris Harris Jr and Aqib Talib made life miserable for WRs.  They have 45 combined tackles and 6 interceptions between the 2 of them last year.  They might have lost Malik Jackson but with Shane Ray ready to step, I think this unit will continue to dominate, both on the field and for your fantasy team.

Grade: A+

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