2024 Fantasy Preview: Denver Broncos
Written By: @Gr1m_FF
2023 Season Recap
Record: 8-9
Points For: 357
Points Against: 413
Off-season Roster Recap
Key Additions: Josh Reynolds, Zach Wilson, Cody Barton, Levi Wallace, John Franklin Meyers, Brandon Jones.
Key Losses: Jerry Jeudy, Justin Simmons, Rashard Lawrence, Phillip Dorsett, Russell Wilson.
Draft Recap Offense:
1.12 Bo Nix (QB)
4.102 Troy Franklin (WR)
5.147 Audric Estime (RB)
7. 235 Devaughn Vele (WR)
7. 256 Nick Gargiulo (CENTER)
Draft Recap Defense:
3.76 Jonah Elliss (LB)
5.145 Kris Abrams draine (CB)
2024 Outlook:
Overview
The Denver Broncos made several notable moves this offseason, some of which are questionable and others intriguing. To say their previous season was a complete failure would be an understatement; they had a terrible year. With Sean Payton on the hot seat and a new quarterback in Bo Nix, all eyes are on them this season. It will be interesting to see how they establish their identity, something they sorely lacked last year.
In 2023, the Broncos had a decent defense but struggled significantly on offense, failing to gain traction in both the running and passing games. Key losses, such as Russell Wilson and Jerry Jeudy, were expected but left significant gaps. Despite these departures, it seems the Broncos have not done enough to re-identify or replace their offensive capabilities through their offseason moves.
Overall, I believe the Broncos might regress this year. Last season, they finished 8-9, and I suspect they will fall back even further. Although I respect Sean Payton as a good coach, the combination of a new quarterback and an unsettled system does not inspire confidence in their success this season.
On the defensive side, they added Jonah Elliss and Kris Abrams-Draine through the draft, which could be decent pickups. However, their free agency acquisitions did not include any standout players. The addition of Cody Barton as a linebacker was impressive and should help their defensive scheme, but the losses of Justin Simmons and Rashard Lawrence have taken away crucial pieces of their team identity.
Offensively, the Broncos added several players through the draft: Bo Nix, Troy Franklin, Audric Estime, Devaughn Velel, and Nick Gargiulo. I find these picks interesting. Nix, Franklin, and Estime performed well in college, and Estime could push Javonte Williams for playing time. The chemistry between Nix and Franklin from their time at Oregon could be a highlight this year.
In terms of other offensive additions, Josh Reynolds and Zach Wilson were notable. I expect Reynolds to have more of an immediate impact than Wilson, who seems to be an insurance policy in case the Bo Nix experiment fails.
From an outsider's perspective, the Broncos' offseason moves appear lackluster and fail to demonstrate the urgency and purpose one would expect from a team coming off a poor season. Despite their efforts, there is little evidence to suggest they will make a significant leap forward this year.
Fantasy Impact
When evaluating the Broncos' fantasy football impact this year, the overall picture appears quite minimal. There aren’t many standout players that fantasy football managers can confidently invest in. However, there are a few areas where dynasty managers might find value. Audric Estime, as a running back, is one to watch; he could potentially challenge Javonte Williams for playing time in a couple of years. Bo Nix also shows promise within Sean Payton's system and could yield good returns in the future. These players are more of a long-term investment rather than immediate contributors.
For those looking for instant impact players in fantasy redraft leagues, the options are limited. Troy Franklin and Courtland Sutton might offer some value, as could Pat Surtain if you play in IDP formats. In IDP leagues, Cody Barton is another player to consider.
The main issue with the Broncos is their lack of a clear identity. It's hard to invest confidently in their passing game, running game, or defense as a whole. If you're generalizing the Denver Broncos from a fantasy football perspective, it's best to stay away and look at other teams.
In summary, if you need players who can help you win now, especially in redraft leagues, it's wise to avoid the Broncos. On the other hand, if you’re in a rebuilding stage of a dynasty league and can afford to wait, investing in their rookies like Bo Nix, Troy Franklin, and Audric Estime could pay off in the long run.
Schedule:
Week 1 @ SEA
Week 2 vs. PIT
Week 3 @ TB
Week 4 @ NYJ
Week 5 vs. LV
Week 6 vs. LAC
Week 7 @ NO
Week 8 vs. CAR
Week 9 @ BAL
Week 10 @ KC
Week 11 vs. ATL
Week 12 @ LV
Week 13 vs. CLE
Week 14 BYE
Week 15 vs IND
Week 16 @ LAC
Week 17 @ CIN
Week 18 vs KC
Strength of schedule: (.495)
DraftKings Projected Wins: (6-11)
#Gr1m_FF prediction: (4-13)
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