NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Denver Broncos.
Must Owns
Peyton Manning, QB: Manning had one of the finest quarterback seasons in NFL history last year, throwing 55 touchdowns, just 10 interceptions, and piling up 5,477 yards through the air. While it'd be unrealistic to expect that level of production again, he's not a crazy first-round pick. Even if he drops off, it's hard to envision him not reaching 40 touchdown passes and 4,700 yards as the floor.
Demaryius Thomas, WR: Thomas appears to be the safest wide receiver in fantasy not named Calvin Johnson. He scored 14 touchdowns last year, and while TDs are hard to predict, owners can rely on Manning to make prime use of his best targets. With Eric Decker gone, Thomas may be in line for more targets-and more defensive attention. He may not hit 14 scores, but he'll be a monster worthy of first-round consideration.
Montee Ball, RB: 241 carries, 1,048 yards, 10 rushing touchdowns. 60 receptions, 548 yards, three touchdowns. Those are the numbers Knowshon Moreno put up last season as the running back in Peyton Manning's offense. Ball's rookie numbers are irrelevant; Moreno's gone and the job is his. Ball is the superior talent to Moreno, and should exceed that production. And that's three first-round talents in the same offense.
Julius Thomas, TE: Thomas won people fantasy leagues last year as a free agent pickup who exploded for 65 catches, 788 yards and 12 touchdowns. He's an incredible athlete that has too much size and grace for linebackers to handle. Inside the red zone he's just about Demaryius Thomas' equal, and he should be in line to repeat his 2013 year.
Emmanuel Sanders, WR: Sanders figures to take Eric Decker's role in the offense with the latter gone to the Jets via free agency. Sanders is built more like a slot receiver though, and he may be able to move there with Wes Welker's future up in the air. Sanders shone with the Steelers in 2013, reeling in six touchdowns as they opened up their passing game, and with the Broncos he should improve even more. He has a great chance to outperform his mid-fifth round ADP.
Defense/Special Teams: They went the star-studded route, inking veterans DeMarcus Ware and T.J. Ward to shore up a defense that failed them often in 2013. That has potential to blow up in their face, but at the outset of the season that much talent on one unit has to be drafted.
Brandon McManus, K: Matt Prater is suspended four games, and I don't know anything about McManus. I only know, that extra points and field goal attempts will be plentiful.
Sleepers (Best Format)
C.J. Anderson, RB (Standard): Montee Ball had his issues last season with blocking schemes and fumbling. If they continue this year, expect Anderson to emerge and surge past Ronnie Hillman, whose work has been unspectacular through two NFL seasons.
Cody Latimer, WR: (Standard, PPR): Latimer's huge frame makes him a better candidate physically to replace Eric Decker than Sanders, and with Welker injured the rookie could get a lot of opportunities. At Indiana last season he went off, hauling in 72 passes and nine touchdowns while amassing 1,096 yards. Rookie WRs tend to be shaky, but with Peyton throwing the ball he could explode.
Deep Finds (Best Format)
Jacob Tamme, TE (Standard): If something happens to J. Thomas, Tamme figures to step right in owing to his familiarity with Manning from their Colts' days. Tamme's no star, but if he wriggles into a starting role with Denver he's a must start in 10-team leagues.
Wes Welker, WR (PPR): Welker's certainly dropping in drafts, if he's being taken at all after suffering yet another concussion. When healthy, Welker's a borderline WR1 in PPR format, so he's worth an extremely late gamble. But he can't be relied upon anymore, and may never play again.
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