This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would
want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football). What you'll find here are my views based on
years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching
stats, trends, and film. I'll advise
where to reach and whose hype not to believe.
DENVER BRONCOS – Passing 340 ypg Rushing 117 ypg
The Broncos were all over network television last season
exhibiting their spectacular offensive prowess. More importantly, the Broncos
being on TV allowed viewers to watch Paper Pigskin points accumulate at a high
rate. Interesting enough the team led
the league in lost fumbles last season, so there’s actually room for
improvement on their scoring output.
QB: Peyton Manning has
looked as sharp as ever and has more options to throw to than he did in last season's
video game like performance. The
additions of Emmanuel Sanders and rookie Cody Latimer to an offense that
already includes Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas, Manning will
have a plethora of pass-catchers who can all comfortably line up in different
parts of the formation. I wouldn’t use my first round pick on him as I don’t
believe he’ll finish #1 at the position this season.
RB: There are many scribes who are predicting big things from
Montee Ball. The assumption is that with
an improved defense and Manning already with endless passing records, that John
Fox and OC Adam Gase will lean more on the run game. I’d be highly cautious
with the expectations for a few reasons: 1) Ball was supposed to be the guy
last season but couldn’t keep the job because of fumbling issues… 2) He’s not
as good in pass protection as any of the tailbacks behind him in the formation…
3) Fox has a history of using a committee at running back, Moreno only received
love because Manning felt secure with his protection. His ADP is RB8, even though he presents high
upside, I’ll pass on him there.
Ronnie Hillman got most of the work with the starters leading
up to the season due to Montee Ball recovering from an appendectomy, and that
meant putting in a little extra time with Manning. Hillman has been on this team longer than the
other backs and has shown the big-play potential the offense needs, especially
as it looks to improve its impact on runs between the tackles against nickel
and dime formations used to stop Manning and the passing game. He’s worth
drafting in deeper leagues at his RB63 ADP
CJ Anderson’s name was floating around early in camp; he’s a
solid back but only has value if one of the other two gets injured.
The guy you
should have an eye on is undrafted rookie from Duke, Juwan Thompson, who has
worked to earn his spot on the team. I don’t have any evidence of this but I
can only imagine that Thompson was one of those Duke players that spend time
practicing with Manning in the off season; Manning’s QB mentor is Duke’s head
coach David Cutcliffe, and Manning spent extensive time rehabbing from surgery
on Duke’s campus.
WR: Demaryius Thomas is one of the elite wide receivers in
this league and will be fed often per par for the course of his career. He has
the running ability to take any reception the distance. His ADP is WR2; some
think he’ll finish at the top, but if you’ve been following along in this
series, you know what I believe.
Emmanuel Sanders was the free agent signing to replace Eric
Decker. Sanders is shifty in the open field and has already developed the type
of chemistry with Manning that could land him in top-20 WR zone. His ADP is WR23 and trending up.
Wes Welker is the slot receiver on this Broncos team;
Manning loves to throw across the middle which makes Welker a target maven and
PPR beast. However, his fearlessness over the middle has subjected him to many
hard hits. If he suffers another big hit, his career may be over. He’s truly a
risk at his WR24 ADP. Either Andre Caldwell or Cody Latimer can pay dividends if Welker misses any time.
TE: If you read this
series last season, you would have reaped the rewards that I did on opening
night when I had Julius Thomas in my starting lineup. The former basketball player
will be the main beneficiary of Decker’s departure because of the increase in
red zone targets he will receive. However, you’ll have to pay a hefty price for
his production, as he’s going in the early third and sometimes late second
round of most drafts at his TE2 price.
Def: They improved
the pass rush and the secondary with Spring acquisitions. The run defense was
already one of the best in the league. They should definitely be a plug in and
leave defense.
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