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Ever since Peyton Manning became a Bronco, the Denver offense has started, finished, and been all about one Peyton Manning, and for good reason. Manning has had 30+ touchdowns and over 4,600 yards passing in all three of his seasons in Denver, highlighted by a record-breaking 55 touchdowns in 2013. While we are unlikely to see 50 or more scoring passes or 5,000 yards from Manning again, expectations are still high for him as a likely Top 5-7 quarterback again this season. But Manning is much closer to the end of his career now, and he has had some troubles in the past with injuries. So let's consider a possibility for this season - What would happen if Denver loses their star quarterback for an extended period of time this year?
BUY
C.J. Anderson, RB – Anderson is already considered a fantasy RB1, but that value is likely to move towards the Top 5-7 running back range without Peyton Manning to throw for 275-300 yards or more each contest. Anderson would see 5-7 more touches a game without Manning available, making him an instant feature tailback.
Montee Ball, RB – Denver is going to have to rely on the ground game to lead the way without Peyton Manning. C.J. Anderson will be the lead back, but he cannot do it alone, and the carries and touches for the running backs will definitely go up without their star quarterback. Ball offers relief for Anderson and can produce when he gets the opportunity.
Ronnie Hillman, RB – Similar to Ball, Hillman should be worth more in a more run-oriented offense. If Hillman was not drafted, certainly add him to the "add" list even though he is the third back in this offense.
HOLD
Demaryius Thomas, WR – You might want to "sell" Thomas, but I doubt that anyone would be buying Thomas after learning Manning was hurt and out for an extended period. That actually would be a benefit to Thomas owners, as Thomas is talented enough to be productive at a high level even if Denver has to turn the huddle over to Brock Osweiler. Thomas can create space and get open against any defense, and Gary Kubiak can call plays to get the ball in the playmaker's hands.
Owen Daniels, TE - While Denver's passing game may diminish overall, Brock Osweiler will need a capable set of hands for short passes. That sounds like a good recipe for Owen Daniels, who should see about the same amount of targets from the backup quarterback.
SELL
Emmanuel Sanders, WR - Denver's overall passing game would go down without Manning, as you would expect, and the secondary targets would feel the impact much more than Demaryius Thomas. A 20% reduction in predicted fantasy numbers sounds about right for all receivers after Thomas.
Cody Latimer, WR - Similar to the loss in value for Sanders, Latimer will see a drop in production and targets overall. Latimer may even be a "drop" candidate if Denver uses fewer 3-WR formations.
ADD
Brock Osweiler, QB – Who else? Seriously, Osweiler has been waiting in the wings for just this eventuality as Denver has been grooming him since he was drafted in the second round back in 2012. Osweiler has a strong arm and a big frame (similar build to Joe Flacco) and, although lacking in experience, he has the ability to manage this offense and get the ball in the hands of his playmakers.
DROP
None. Denver is a high-powered offense that is capable of surviving the loss of even Peyton Manning. The passing game may see less production, but Anderson, Ball and Hillman can produce enough out of the backfiled to make the Broncos competitive and productive.
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to pasquino@footballguys.com.