The 2013 Denver Broncos were a fantasy football mother lode. Peyton Manning set the single season records for passing yards with 5,477, and touchdowns, with 55. The Broncos as a whole scored an NFL record 606 points this year. The Broncos featured a plethora of fantasy stars other than Manning, read on to find out who you should draft in 2014.
1. Peyton Manning (QB)
In 2013, Manning put up the most fantasy points by a quarterback since fantasy football was created with 410. Can we expect him to put up the same numbers next season? Not at all. If Manning does not decide to retire, you can look for a solid 20+ points per game season in 2014. Barring any injuries and the loss of someone like Eric Decker to free agency, Manning can easily put up close to 5,000 yards and over 45 touchdowns. There aren’t too many guys that look as good as Manning does right now going into next year, so expect him to be a Top 2 or 3 pick among quarterbacks.
2. Demaryius Thomas (WR)
At 26 years old, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is entering his prime years. Thomas put up 227 fantasy points, (over 14 points per game) which was tied with Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns for tops among wideouts. In 2013, Thomas hauled in 92 receptions for 1,430 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Look for very similar numbers in 2014. If Eric Decker leaves Denver, Manning could be inclined to go to Thomas even more. Thomas should be drafted as a Top 5 wide receiver.
3. Wes Welker (WR)
Even at age 33 going into next year, Wes Welker is still one of the best slot receivers in the game. Despite missing three games due to concussion, Welker still put up good numbers. In 2013, Welker caught 73 passes for 778 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 10.45 fantasy points per game was solid as well. The loss of Eric Decker would mean more throws to Welker, potentially moving him into the Top 15 receivers list on draft day.
4. Montee Ball (RB)
Knowshon Moreno is likely to leave Denver; if he does, it means more runs from Montee Ball. In his rookie season, Ball averaged 4.7 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns. In 2014, Ball could be a staple in a Denver Broncos offense that could run the ball more than in years past (unless Manning starts to put up another MVP season). So if Moreno goes elsewhere, look for Montee Ball to move into the Top 15 or 20 fantasy running backs in 2014.
5. Julius Thomas (TE)
Julius Thomas has become one the most explosive tight ends in the game. In 2013, he put up 788 yards and 12 touchdowns on 65 receptions. His 10.77 points per game ranked third among tight ends. If he plays all sixteen games next season, Thomas could easily put up double digits in touchdowns and 75+ receptions. Thomas would benefit from the loss of Eric Decker, but would either way be a Top 3 or 4 tight end for 2014.
