Fantasy Preview: the Denver Broncos

[dragondawg]

Denver Broncos
2006 stats at NFL.com and pro-football-reference.com

Travis Henry (RB): Denver running back, big contract, feature back. Even with Shanahanigans running the team, you have to figure Henry's floor is 1,200 yards and 10 TDs, right? With no conceivable ceiling?

Javon Walker (WR): Walker was one of the best WRs in the NFL last season. You may not find 1,084 yards receiving and 8 TDs (and 123 yards rushing and 1 TD) terribly exciting for fantasy purposes, but keep a few things in mind:

a) The 2006 Broncos ranked 26th in passing attempts, 30th in completions, and 27th in passing yards. Javon Walker put up his very good production on an offense that wasn't throwing the ball a lot.
b) His receiving yardage numbers were double the second best yardage numbers on the team (Rod Smith's 512).
c) The team featured the erratic Jake Plummer (55.2%) quarterbacking for 11 games and rookie Jay Cutler for the last 5 games.

So here's my thinking in 2007: Javon Walker is just as good an individual player as he was in 2006, he's still that much better than any other WR on his team, the Broncos are likely to throw more passes in 2007, and second-year Jay Cutler will be a better quarterback in 2007 than the combination of erratic Jake Plummer and rookie Jay Cutler in 2006.

Jason Elam (K): Elam has been a reliable fantasy kicker for a long, long time.

Defense: Why not? They were solid last season, they've done a lot to try improve the pass rush (their first two draft picks were defensive ends), they've got players capable of forcing turnovers, and they hold opponents to very few points (8th in '06, 4th in '05). It's a solid fantasy unit.

http://pacifistviking.blogspot.com/2007/06/fantasy-preview-denver-broncos.html

[Los Broncos]

I have Walker, Elam and Jay on my fantasy team.

I'm looking for Walker to have a big year, hopefully he doesn't get double teamed to much.

Elam will have his normal year.

Jay is my backup to Brees so he wont see much action.

Heres my predictions for fantasy points.

Walker 165

Cutler 206

Elam 125

[Paladin]

Maybe with Sheffler and Graham in the passing game, and a healthy Smith and possibly Stokley, I don't know that Walker will get as many passes his way this year. He will get his share, and I suspect many will be TDs. But if Henry is able to fit in and it is unlikely that he would not, this is a running team to start.

Most here seem to think it is Cutler's development that determines the team's success this year. I think it is more likely the Oline and Henry, and the Dline's development that will lead the way. Cutler will not have to be the absolute best. Just has to hit the short ones, and a few long tosses. Otherwise, it is the running game and the D that makes it work.

My point is that i hope Walker does not disappoint you, and I hope Cutler is above average....

[Los Broncos]

Maybe with Sheffler and Graham in the passing game, and a healthy Smith and possibly Stokley, I don't know that Walker will get as many passes his way this year. He will get his share, and I suspect many will be TDs. But if Henry is able to fit in and it is unlikely that he would not, this is a running team to start.

Most here seem to think it is Cutler's development that determines the team's success this year. I think it is more likely the Oline and Henry, and the Dline's development that will lead the way. Cutler will not have to be the absolute best. Just has to hit the short ones, and a few long tosses. Otherwise, it is the running game and the D that makes it work.

My point is that i hope Walker does not disappoint you, and I hope Cutler is above average....

Walker will get about 1,100 yards, 8-9 tds. Like i said Jay wont see much with me having Brees.

I wanted Henry instead of Portis but he was taken. I think with Graham and sheff he will have a big year.

[MechanicalBull]

Jay is my backup to Brees so he wont see much action.


I have the same situation with a team. I'm debating if I should try and trade Brees for some help at wr and rb and start Cutler hoping he will have a great season with all his weapons. But on the other hand Brees is a top fantasy QB.

[Blart]

This is Cutler's first starting season, and we have an incredible running game, so don't get too excited about the pass. I doubt it will be featured.

[Los Broncos]

I have the same situation with a team. I'm debating if I should try and trade Brees for some help at wr and rb and start Cutler hoping he will have a great season with all his weapons. But on the other hand Brees is a top fantasy QB.

I thought about the same thing, dam some people do think alike. But the three, jay, javon and jason all have the same bye week.

[Los Broncos]

Heres what yahoo gives us

8. Denver Broncos

Rushing Y/G: 134.5 Red Zone Poss.: 44
Yards Per Carry: 4.4 Red Zone TD: 24
Passing Y/G: 174.9 Red Zone TD Pct: 54.50%
Points Per Game: 19.9 Total FG: 27
Turnovers: 30 07 Schedule Strength: 0.504

Key Offensive Additions: RB Travis Henry, TE Daniel Graham
Key Offensive Subtractions: RB Tatum Bell

Ah, zone-blocking. There was a time when a peg-legged Matt Suhey could've run for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns with this team. The offensive line still figures to be extremely good, and Travis Henry could have an extraordinary year. Jay Cutler averaged roughly 200 yards, two TDs and one INT in his five games last season. Expect a less conservative approach with the young QB this year, and look for Javon Walker to benefit. Tony Scheffler was clearly Cutler's preferred end zone target at the end of 2006, but Daniel Graham signed a serious contract that suggests serious looks and receptions.

[freak6]

1st RB
2nd RB
3rd Best QB there in this order

Manning
Brady
Palmer
Cutler

4th WR - Javon is a steal here, could go Javon in 3rd and Cutler here if you want to take a chance

5th RB or WR

[OrangeShadow]

Shanahanigans :rofl:

[BizzyBone7]

What does everyone think Marshall will do. I wanted him in my league so i had to take him in like the 6th round. There was someone taking every bronco player ahead of me so i had to reach. Someone please tell me he'll put up good numbers.

[Los Broncos]

What does everyone think Marshall will do. I wanted him in my league so i had to take him in like the 6th round. There was someone taking every bronco player ahead of me so i had to reach. Someone please tell me he'll put up good numbers.

If hes the number two wr he will do good. I look for teams to double team javon and force someone else to beat them. But if rod can go full strength, it wont be worth it to take marshall.

[Atlas]

Safest fantasy take this year will be Travis Henry.

[MechanicalBull]

If hes the number two wr he will do good. I look for teams to double team javon and force someone else to beat them. But if rod can go full strength, it wont be worth it to take marshall.

I agree. I think it all depends on how Rod is. If he can go full strength then I think Marshall moves down to #3 with Rod being a great safety valve for Cutler.