NFL preseason report: Denver Broncos

This page will be regularly updated with news and analysis regarding the Broncos’ skill position players throughout training camp and the preseason. ⬆︎ ⬇︎ Indicate which way a player’s fantasy value is trending and (R) denotes rookies.

Warren Sharp expects the Broncos to face the 13th toughest schedule in 2018.

Quarterback

Case Keenum ⬆︎ -- Keenum is walking into a surprisingly comfortable situation. Sharp notes in his 2018 Football Preview that the offenses between Keenum’s former Vikings and current Broncos use similar personnel and share strengths in the featured departments (sans TE). Sharp also has Denver projected to face the “seventh-easiest schedule of opposing pass defenses”. Look for Keenum to have an efficient 2018, making him a fine selection at his current 14th round ADP.

Running Back

Royce Freeman (R) ⬇ -- Freeman is still a fan (and coaching staff) favorite, however, he will not simply be handed the starting job. If he can get ahold of the early down banger role, he will have value but as of now I do not like him at his 5th round ADP.

Devontae Booker ⬆︎ -- Booker currently sits atop the Broncos RB depth chart. Although he’s no world-beater, Booker possesses an all-around skill set and will put up a serious fight to keep hold of lead back duties all year. He’s an excellent value at his 11th round ADP.

De’Angelo Henderson ⬇ -- Henderson showed flashes last year and was considered a snazzy sleeper. However, behind both Booker and Freeman on the depth chart, touches will be limited.

Wide Receivers

Demaryius Thomas ⬆︎ -- The upgrade at quarterback boosts the entire Broncos offense, especially the once proud wide receiver corps. Keenum loves his slot receivers and Thomas has reportedly been lining up all over the field. Expect Thomas to have a bounceback year in 2018.

Emmanuel Sanders ⬆︎ -- Although Thomas will be taking snaps out of the slot, this will still be Sanders’ primary position. Evan Silva (from Sharp’s 2018 Football Preview) even thinks Sanders could outscore Thomas, the nominal No. 1 Denver WR.

Cortland Sutton (R) ⬇ I love the player, and with Thomas and Sanders both on the backend of their careers I like the landing spot long term. However, for 2018, I don’t think the Denver passing attack will regularly support 3 fantasy-relevant wide receivers.

Tight End

Jake Butt ⬆︎ Butt’s been making plays all camp and I expect him to be the Broncos premier fantasy tight end.

Jeff Heuerman ⬇ -- Heuerman is currently listed as the Broncos No. 1 tight end but he hasn’t practiced in a week due to knee soreness.

Troy Fumagalli (R) ⬇ -- Fumagalli is also nursing an injury and it’s unlikely the Broncos field 3 fantasy-relevant tight ends.