2014 Review

For those who drafted quarterback Peyton Manning, he paid off as the No. 1 fantasy pick for most of the season. However, just when his fantasy owners needed him most approaching playoffs, is when Manning stumbled out of the gate. He ended up ranking fourth in fantasy points among his fellow quarterbacks. However the 36.5 total fantasy points he earned in the last four weeks of the season probably cost some serious championships.

Very un-Manning like, he coughed up six interceptions to three touchdowns during this stretch of time. This in itself may be a red flag to some who are thinking of drafting Manning again this season.

The Broncos running back situation in 2014 could not have been predicted by the best of fortune tellers. Montee Ball was all the rave to draft prior to the start of the season. Unfortunately, the injury bug hit him early forcing the team to rely on Ronnie Hillman who quickly became a waiver wire hit.

Sadly, Hillman’s time as a starter was abruptly cut short due to injury also. Enter to the scene, C.J. Anderson. Anderson completely resurrected the Broncos’ run game when he took over as the starter in Week 10. He was the hottest waiver wire acquisition in 2014, in my opinion. Even more incredible is that Anderson managed to rank 11th in fantasy points by the finish of the season. Up until Week 10, Anderson only had 11.7 total fantasy points to his name. Anderson was a major gem for those who were fortunate enough to secure him.

As for the wide receivers, Demaryius Thomas did not disappoint, and ranked third overall in fantasy points. For those who took their chances with Emmanuel Sanders, new to the team in 2014, their investment paid off. Sanders finished up the year seventh-ranked overall, putting up 101 receptions, 1,404 yards, and nine touchdowns.

If anyone bothered to pick former slot receiver Wes Welker, he quickly became an irrelevant fantasy option.

And, lastly, for those who drafted tight end Julius Thomas high, he eventually let his owners down. Thomas finished the season as the seventh-ranked fantasy tight end partly due to missing time for an ankle injury. His 12 touchdowns helped, but it was those lowly 489 receiving yards that devalued him.

Veteran Additions

The Broncos signed veteran tight end Owen Daniels to the squad due to the departure of Thomas. Along with Daniels is various other tight end depth. It would be a gamble to draft Daniels and believe he would put up the numbers Thomas has in the past. Realistically, he makes a backup or a lower-end fantasy tight end selection for 2015.

NFL Draft

None.

Potential Breakout Star

This year, second-year wideout Cody Latimer could possibly surprise us. It has been reported by Sanders that he may be working the slot while Latimer lines up opposite of Demaryius. If that is the case, Latimer could see some extra looks from Manning while Thomas draws double coverage. Latimer could have the similar success, but on a smaller scale to that which Sanders experienced last season.

Potential Disappointment

Manning unfortunately earns a spot under this category. The Broncos’ new coaching staff wants to incorporate more of a balanced offense meaning we will be seeing a heavy dose of Anderson and less aerial action from Manning. The goal will be to keep Manning healthy so the team can make it to the playoffs. Sure, Manning is worth owning, he just might not be primed to finish in the top five-ranked quarterbacks when all is said and done for 2015.