Denver Broncos: Top Five Fantasy Football Targets
Top Five Fantasy Football Targets: Denver Broncos
What a difference a year makes. Or should I say what a difference Peyton Manning makes. In his first season with the Denver Broncos, Manning lifted the Broncos from 23rd in total offense to 4th. In points per game, they went from 23rd to 2nd. With some better chemistry and a couple of positive new additions, there is no reason to believe this offense will be slowing down.
The most notable new addition is Wes Welker, and while he will definitely bring some decent production, he is past his prime and joining a very talented receiving crew. Odds are he will be the third best option of the wide receivers. He left an ideal situation with the New England Patriots and it is highly unlikely he will get as many targets in Denver.
Welker’s end zone looks are going to be hard to come by as well considering Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas are each half a foot taller than him and already have a great chemistry with Manning. Both of those big targets were able to top Welker’s career high in touchdowns last season. Unless it’s a PPR league, I would not recommend drafting him.
All the Welker negativity aside, the Broncos will be one of the most productive offenses in the league and have several attractive fantasy football options. As long as Manning stays healthy, the yardage and touchdowns will be in abundance in Denver. Here are the five best fantasy options for the Denver Broncos in 2013.
5. Denver D/ST
Don’t be scared off by the Von Miller situation. First of all, it’s in the appeals process and not official yet. Second, even if he is suspended for four games, Denver will survive it. Miller’s big-play production would be missed, but he isn’t the only reason Denver was second in total defense last season. I’m never a big proponent of drafting defenses early, but if the other members of your league overreact to the situation, you may be able to draft them at a value.
4. Demaryius Thomas
In his breakout season in 2012, Thomas was second in the AFC with 1,434 receiving yards and finished fifth in fantasy scoring among wide receivers. With 141 targets last season he is Manning’s clear cut No. 1 option.
He isn’t worth a reach but definitely worth grabbing where he is projected in the late-second round to early-third round. He is a good candidate to drop in the draft a bit too with a lot of people targeting running backs heavily in the early rounds.
3. Peyton Manning
It’s strange to talk about the upside of a 37-year-old man in the NFL, but it is definitely there for Manning who is surrounded by arguably the best talent of his entire career. He had an amazing first season with the Broncos and everything is in place for even more production in his second. I don’t recommend reaching for any quarterback this year with so many solid options, but if Manning drops at all, don’t hesitate to take him.
2. Eric Decker
As idiotic as starring in a reality show is when you don’t need the money, I’ve done stupider things for a woman. The show Decker took part in with his country star wife has wrapped and will not be a distraction.
Last season’s touchdown leader for the Broncos is projected as the 22nd ranked wide receiver despite finishing as the seventh-leading scorer at his position in 2012. He’s big, young, athletic, and only getting better. He will be a major steal as a late-fifth round to early sixth-round pick.
1. Montee Ball
If there’s one thing Ball knows how to do it's get into the end zone. The NCAA career leader in rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns will have some major upside coming into his rookie season. Ball’s opportunity to be the featured back in a high-powered offense is his to lose right now. Projected to go toward the late-third round to early-fourth round, he could end up being one of the biggest steals in the draft.
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