Whether you’re in a standard, PPR, or keeper league you should prepare with one thing in mind, a top-six pick in this year’s draft is better than a bottom-six pick. Obviously, this statement is not absolute; every fantasy football draft is different. Some will see the top wide receivers fly off the board and others won’t have a quarterback taken in the first round. But, without hesitation, the top six picks in every fantasy football draft should be in some order: LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles, Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte, Eddie Lacy, and Calvin Johnson. After that however, it becomes much more obscure.
Options at the Seven Pick:
Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback
Peyton Manning(18) looks to pass in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Peyton Manning: Though only one quarterback has gone on to repeat a 40+ touchdown season with another (Drew Brees 2011-2012), Manning remains one of the safer options at the seven pick. Following his record-breaking performance of a season ago it’s hard to see the five-time NFL MVP suffering much of a drop off in 2014, especially with the new rules in the NFL.
Things to Note:
Broncos defense is much improved: After signing T.J. Ward, DeMarcus Ware, and Aqib Talib the team has improved substantially on defense. While this may seem like a positive as far as Peyton Manning’s fantasy value is concerned, with an improved defense the Denver Broncos will have an easier time securing victories in 2014 thereby limiting Manning’s scoring capabilities.
Different group of receivers: Part of what made the Broncos offense so dynamic last season was the talent of the team’s receivers. Acquisitions Julius Thomas and Wes Welker burst to the scene from the very first game in 2013, enhancing an already dominant one-two punch of Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. Now in 2014 Manning will have to adjust without Eric Decker, and with Wes Welker’s return uncertain Denver is not nearly as talented on the outside as they were a season ago.
Emmanuel Sanders looks great in Preseason: Losing Eric Decker may take a few scoring plays away from Manning (24 touchdowns in past two seasons), but Emmanuel Sanders appears poised to make his absence negligible. After scoring two touchdowns on five catches for 128 yards in the third game of the Preseason a big season may be in store for the 27-year old wide receiver.
Verdict: Should be considered, possibly the safest option at the seven pick.