The Denver Broncos are coming off a solid 2016 season as they finished 9-7 and third in the AFC west. The Broncos struggled on offense throughout the season due to a lack of production from their quarterbacks. They remained competitive in games throughout the season thanks to there defense, which is one of the best in the NFL. Below is the Denver Broncos 2016 fantasy football recap; how their skilled position players preformed and where they should be drafted in 2017.
Denver Broncos 2016 Fantasy Football Recap
Quarterback
With Peyton Manning retiring last off-season, the Broncos had to find a new starting quarterback. That starting quarterback for the Broncos last season was Trevor Siemian. He played in 13 games and threw for 3401 yards with 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He finished as the 26th ranked quarterback in fantasy with 191 fantasy points, averaging 14 fantasy points per game last season. Siemian has been in a quarterback battle throughout the off-season with Paxton Lynch. Who ever is the starter holds some value in deeper leagues next season. With the depth at the quarterback position across the NFL, either quarterback will most likely go undrafted in most leagues.
Running Back
Broncos starting running back C.J. Anderson was off to a solid start in 2016 with 565 yards and five touchdowns. He totaled 86.5 fantasy points in only seven games. Anderson averaged 12 fantasy points per game before his October 27th injury that sidelined him for the season. The Broncos brought in veteran running Jamaal Charles to compete for the running back position. Anderson is still a solid flex option in standard leagues next season and should produce solid fantasy numbers. At worse, he is a middle round pick in drafts.
The next man up for the Broncos after Anderson’s injury was running back Devontae Booker. He was a solid flex option for fantasy owners, as he finished the season with 877 yards and five touchdowns. Booker totaled 111 fantasy points and averaged around 10 points per once he was named the starter. However, with the addition of Charles, Booker is not much more then a handcuff in 2017.
Wide Receiver
The leading wide receiver for the Broncos was veteran Demaryius Thomas with 90 receptions for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns. He finished as the 19th ranked receiver with 136 fantasy points, averaging eight fantasy points per game last season. With the inconsistent play from his quarterback, Thomas’ production could be inconsistent as well this season. In 2017, Thomas is worth a fourth or fifth round draft pick.
The next leading receiver for the Broncos was Emmanuel Sanders with 79 receptions for 1,032 yards and five touchdowns. He totaled 133 fantasy points, averaged eight fantasy points per game, and finished as the 21st ranked wide receiver in fantasy last season. However, he was inconsistent last season and is more of a wide receiver three or flex option in 2017 season. Sanders is worth a middle round draft pick.
Tight End
The leading tight end for the Broncos was Virgil Green. He totaled 22 receptions for 237 yards and only one touchdowns. Green finished with 30 fantasy points and the 43rd ranked tight end. Even though the tight end position has the least amount of depth, fantasy owners should look elsewhere in 2017.
Kicker
Handling the kicking duties for the Broncos last season was Brandon McManus, making 29 of 34 field goals and 32 extra points. He finished the season as the 15th ranked kicker with 127 fantasy points and an average of eight fantasy points per game. McManus should be able to produce solid fantasy numbers in 2017, making him worth a late round draft pick.
Defense
The Denver Broncos defense is one of the best defenses in the NFL and fantasy. They finished 2016 as the second ranked defense with 146 fantasy points, averaging nine fantasy points per game. The Broncos are in a tough division with several high powered offenses but should still be one of the best fantasy defenses in 2017. They are worth a mid to late round pick in drafts.
The Denver Broncos are one of the youngest and most talented teams in the NFL, especially on the defensive side of the ball. If the Broncos can get consistent play out of their quarterback this season they could of made a strong playoff run. If the Broncos defense can stay healthy and continue to dominate they could be one of the best teams in the 2017 NFL season.
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