Description: Broncos running back Willis McGahee is apparently healthy, but didn't show for Monday's start of OTAs.
Insight: McGahee's injury progress and his relationship or lack of one with the team will go a long way in determining rookie Montee Ball's fantasy value.
Description: Denver Broncos executive vice president John Elway said Wisconsin running back Montee Ball has a chance to start in his rookie season.
Insight: Willis McGahee and Knowshon Moreno will be trying to return from knee injuries and apparently Ronnie Hillman isn't thought of as an every-down back.
Description: Former Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil fired his agent Marty Magid and quickly signed on with another agent, Tom Condon. SOURCE: Jason La Canfora, CBS Sports
Insight: Dumervil agreed to a restructured deal with the Broncos earlier in the week but Magid failed to get the paperwork into the league office before Friday's deadline, leaving the Broncos no choice but to cut Dumervil. That's a pretty inexcusable mistake so it's no wonder Dumervil pulled the plug on his relationship with Magid. Ordinarily when a player fires his agent, he is required to wait five days before hiring a new agent. Instead, Magid waived the five-day waiting period, allowing Dumervil to sign on with Condon immediately. Baltimore and Tennessee appear to be the early front runners to sign Dumervil now that he's a free agent.
Description: Well this is embarassing. The Broncos officially released pass rusher Elvis Dumervil after failing to submit his restructured contract to the league office prior to Friday's deadline.
Insight: Dumervil agreed to cut his salary from $12 million to $8 million Friday and was all set to stay with the Broncos but his release will cost the team nearly $5 million in dead money against the salary cap. He could be moving on to a different franchise after picking up 63 sacks in 91 games for the Broncos.
Description: The Broncos have agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with former Patriots receiver Wes Welker, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Insight: New England didn't want to pony up the money needed to sign Welker so he took his talents elsewhere. He'll join a receiving corps that already had two 1,000-yard receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker but with Peyton Manning throwing the ball Denver might be able to make it three in 2013. Still, all three players will see their fantasy value decline since they have to share the ball.
Description: Negotiations between the Broncos and right end Elvis Dumervil have reached a standstill according to the Denver Post.
Insight: If Denver can't reach a deal with Dumervil before the start of the new league year on Tuesday he'll become one of the most coveted free agents on the market. Dumervill produced 53 tackles and 11 sacks last season. He also forced a career-high six fumbles in 2012.
Description: Denver used its franchise tag on Pro Bowl left tackle Ryan Clady.
Insight: The Broncos are waiting for Clady to recover from shoulder surgery before talking about a long-term extension. Expect the Boise State alum to produce another Pro-Bowl caliber season in 2013.
Description: The Denver Post reports that Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
Insight: This conflicts with an earlier report that said Moreno wouldn't need surgery this offseason. It's unclear what Moreno's role will be in 2013, though we suspect the Denver running back situation could morph into a three-headed monster featuring Willis McGahee (731 yards, four TD last season), Moreno (525 yards, four TD) and second-year back Ronnie Hillman (330 yards, one TD).
Description: The Denver Post reports that cornerback Tracy Porter is unlikely to re-sign with the Broncos this offseason.
Insight: The Broncos could be preparing for a run at Jets corner Darrelle Revis, who has generated tons of interest as a trade target this offseason. Porter, who once returned a Peyton Manning interception for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIV, recorded just 21 tackles and one pick in 2012.
Description: Denver quarterback Peyton Manning didn't win the NFL's MVP award but he was honored as the league's Comeback Player of the Year.
Insight: Manning sat out the 2011 season after undergoing multiple neck surgeries. The 36-year-old's strong play catapulted the Broncos to the AFC's best record during the regular season, though Denver would eventually lose to Baltimore in its first playoff game.
Description: Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno won't need surgery on his knee. SOURCE: Bill Williamson, ESPN.com
Insight: The injury knocked Moreno out of Sunday's playoff game but is not considered serious. The running back had 510 rushing yards, 155 receiving yards and three scores in his final six games of the season following Willis McGahee's knee injury. Denver's running back plans for 2013 are unknown.
Description: Denver rookie running back Ronnie Hillman had to take over for Knowshon Moreno after the latter hurt his knee Saturday in the divisional round against the Ravens. Hillman was up to the challenge and finished with 83 yards on 22 carries.
Insight: It was Moreno, not Hillman, who replaced Willis McGahee during the season when McGahee tore his MCL, but the rookie finally got his chance to make an impact Saturday. Denver lost so fantasy owners won't have to sort out Denver's running back situation next week, when McGahee is first eligible to return from injured reserve.
Description: Broncos WR/KR Trindon Holliday returned a first-quarter punt for a 90-yard touchdown and later took the second half kickoff back 104 yards for another score Saturday against the Ravens in a double-OT playoff thriller.
Insight: Unfortunately for Holliday, he finally lost a game this season. The kick returner had gone 5-0 with the Texans before being waived and signed by Denver, where he went 11-0.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning had another season end prematurely Saturday when Denver lost in double overtime to the Ravens in the divisional round. Manning threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns but was picked twice.
Insight: Manning's second interception led to a game-winning 47-yard field goal by Justin Tucker in with 13:18 left in double OT. It is the latest in a long line of playoff failures for the future Hall of Famer, though Denver's defense is more to blame in this one.
Description: Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno left Saturday's playoff game against the Ravens with a knee injury.
Insight: Moreno had 510 rushing yards, 155 receiving yards and three scores in his final six games of the season following Willis McGahee's knee injury. McGahee isn't eligible to return until the AFC Championship if Denver makes it that far, so Ronnie Hillman will serve as the Broncos' top running back for the rest of Saturday's game.
Description: Broncos coach John Fox says that running back Willis McGahee is on pace to return next week for the AFC Championship (if Denver makes it that far). McGahee has been out since suffering a broken leg and a torn MCL in a Week 11 win against San Diego.
Insight: McGahee began practicing again on Tuesday. Knowshon Moreno has played well for the Broncos in McGahee's absence so it's doubtful McGahee would receive a heavy workload if he plays, especially with a Super Bowl berth on the line.
Description: Broncos WR/KR Trindon Holliday has been upgraded to probable for Saturday's AFC Divisional Playoff against Baltimore with a sprained ankle. Holliday missed the season finale, but has returned to practice and should be ready by next weekend.
Insight: Holliday doesn't see much playing time as a receiver, but is a very good kick returner. Playing for Houston and Denver he led the NFL in punt return yardage (481) and averaged 32.5 on kickoff returns for the Broncos.
Description: Seahawks place-kicker Steven Hauschka will be placed on the injured reserve due to a calf injury suffered against Washington and miss the remainder of the postseason.
Insight: Hauschka was 24-of-27 during the regular season and a perfect 23-of-23 from 49 yards or less. The just signed Ryan Longwell will be his replacement. Longwell didn't kick this season after hitting 22-of-28 field goals for Minnesota last season.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee "had a good first day" in his first practice since injuring his knee in Week 11, coach John Fox said. SOURCE: DenverBroncos.com
Insight: McGahee isn't eligible to return until the AFC Championship game, if Denver makes it that far. The 2011 Pro Bowler finished the year as Denver's leading rusher this season despite missing the final six games of the regular season. However, Knowshon Moreno excelled in his place with 665 total yards and four touchdowns over those last six games.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee (torn MCL, broken leg) was back on the practice field Tuesday, the first day he was eligible to make an appearance.
Insight: McGahee could play if Denver makes the AFC Championship, though the Broncos have gotten excellent play out of Knowshon Moreno.
Description: Denver fullback Chris Gronkowski is questionable for Saturday's AFC Divisional Playoff against Baltimore due to a hamstring injury.
Insight: The Broncos sometimes use Lance Ball as a fullback, but mostly use two tight ends or three receivers. Gronkowski didn't carry the ball in 14 games and caught just one ball for 11 yards. He obviously has no fantasy value.
Description: Broncos WR/KR Trindon Holliday is questionable for Saturday's AFC Divisional Playoff against Baltimore with a sprained ankle. Holliday missed the season finale, but has returned to practice and should be ready by next weekend.
Insight: Holliday doesn't see much playing time as a receiver, but is a very good kick returner. Playing for Houston and Denver he led the NFL in punt return yardage (481) and averaged 32.5 on kickoff returns for the Broncos.
Description: Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas finished the season in style with seven catches for 122 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Chiefs.
Insight: Thomas has been one of the breakout stars of 2012. The former first-rounder has been extremely consistent, either catching a touchdown or recording 100 yards in 12 of 16 games. He'll end the 2012-13 season with 94 catches, 1,434 and 10 touchdowns.
Description: Including Sunday against the Chiefs, when he had seven catches for 76 yards and two scores, Broncos receiver Eric Decker grabbed 29 passes for 362 yards and five touchdowns over his final four games.
Insight: Like his teammate Demaryius Thomas did earlier this season, Decker reached 1,000 yards for the first time in his career on Sunday. He grabbed 85 balls for 1,064 yards and 13 touchdowns. An incredible 23 of Peyton Manning's 37 touchdown passes went to either Thomas or Decker.
Description: Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno handled 15 carries for 44 yards and a touchdown in Week 17 against the Chiefs.
Insight: Moreno had 510 rushing yards, 155 receiving yards and three scores in his final six games of the season. That's 665 more yards from scrimmage than anyone thought he was going to have way back in Week 11 when he registered his eighth straight inactive.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning wrapped up what will likely be another MVP campaign with 304 yards on 23-of-29 passing and three touchdowns against the Chiefs on Sunday.
Insight: Manning's 37 touchdown passes are his most since he had 49 in 2004. He also exceeded 4,600 for the second time in his career with 4,659.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee (torn MCL, broken leg) who was placed on the IR in November, is eligible to start practicing next week.
Insight: McGahee could return if Denver makes the AFC Championship, though the team has gotten excellent play out of Knowshon Moreno.
Description: Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Kansas City, according to nfl.com. .
Insight: Porter has done very little this season after being sidelined by an illness since Week 6. He came back in Week 16 and immediately suffered a concussion. The Broncos' defense is very strong even without Porter in the lineup.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is still expected to see a full workload Sunday against the Chiefs despite Denver having already clinched the division.
Insight: This news comes from the Denver Post. Manning and the Broncos need a win Sunday to earn a first round bye so we wouldn't expect them to hold anything back. Manning should be an excellent fantasy play this week at home against a struggling Kansas City team.
Description: Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno compiled 127 yards from scrimmage on 22 carries and five catches Sunday against the Browns.
Insight: Moreno is averaging 122.8 yards from scrimmage over his last five games after not playing from Week 3-11. The only thing he didn't do Sunday was score; fullback Jacob Hester punched in a 3-yarder in the fourth quarter.
Description: Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas saw a team-high 14 targets Sunday and turned them into nine catches for 102 yards and a touchdown.
Insight: Thomas has been one of the breakout stars of 2012. The former first-rounder has been extremely consistent, either catching a touchdown or recording 100 yards in 11 of 15 games.
Description: Two of Eric Decker's six catches went for touchdowns Sunday against the Browns. The Broncos receiver finished with 65 yards.
Insight: Decker is closing in on his first 1,000-yard season. He needs 12 yards in Week 17 to accomplish the feat. His 11 receiving touchdowns also rank him among the NFL leaders.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning went off for 339 yards and three touchdowns with one pick Sunday against Cleveland.
Insight: Manning came in having thrown just one touchdown pass in each of his last two games. The three scores give him 34 on the season with 11 picks.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has only thrown one touchdown pass in each of the last two games after collecting two or more in nine of the previous 10.
Insight: Manning is having a great season, throwing for 4,016 yards and 31 touchdown passes in 14 games, but he's let fantasy owners down in the playoffs as Denver has built huge leads the last two games.
Description: Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno ran for 118 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries Sunday against Baltimore.
Insight: Moreno has revived his career in the last four games, running for 391 yards and two touchdowns. He has Cleveland and Kansas City in the next two games so the good times should keep rolling.
Description: Broncos wideout Eric Decker racked up 133 receiving yards Sunday in a win against Baltimore.
Insight: That's Decker's second-highest receiving total of the season. The 51-yard score he hauled in with just under 10 minutes to go in the third quarter was his first touchdown in almost a month (November 18th against the Chargers).
Description: Denver wideout Demaryius Thomas has been taken to the locker room after suffering a shoulder injury in the first half of Thursday night's game against Oakland. His return is questionable.
Insight: Thomas had two grabs for 31 yards at the time of his departure. Look for Eric Decker and Brandon Stokley to get more involved while Thomas is on the sidelines.
Description: Denver wideout Brandon Stokley is active for Thursday night's matchup with Oakland. Stokley missed last week's win over Tampa Bay because of a hip injury.
Insight: Stokley certainly isn't a must-start fantasy wide receiver at this stage in his career but he'll sneak in a touchdown every now and then. He had two catches for 32 yards in a win against the Raiders in Week 4.
Description: Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley (hip, wrist), who was inactive for Week 13, is participating in Tuesday's practice.
Insight: Stokley has always been a Peyton Manning favorite and this season he is as much a mentor to the wide receivers as player. He has 36 receptions for 449 yards and five scores. Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker are the top targets for Peyton Manning, but in key situations Manning knows he can count on Stokley.
Description: Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley (hip, wrist) is inactive for Week 13 after being limited in practice for all three days.
Insight: Stokley has always been a Peyton Manning favorite and this season he was as much a mentor to the wide receivers as player. He has 36 receptions for 449 yards and five scores, but won't get a chance to add to those totals against a weak Tampa Bay Bucs' pass defense.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning took a big hit on his second quarter touchdown throw to Jacob Tamme and was checked for a concussion but didn't miss a snap.
Insight: Manning is having another amazing season, averahing 296.4 ypg through the air with 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He's thrown multiple touchdown passes in nine of 11 games this season. What neck injury?
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has thrown multiple touchdowns in nine of 11 games this season, including two Sunday against the Chiefs.
Insight: Kansas City gave the Broncos a tough challenge but Manning (285 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT) made the necessary plays to win.
Description: Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno started and rushed for 85 yards on 20 carries Sunday while rookie Ronnie Hillman had nine yards on three carries.
Insight: Moreno was also used on passing downs and caught four balls for 26 yards. It was a solid performance for a running back that's likely being given his last chance to succeed with the team that drafted him. It doesn't carry much fantasy weight, especially considering Denver will oppose the stout Tampa Bay run defense next week, but it should tell you that the Broncos don't trust Hillman yet.
Description: Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno will start Sunday in place of Willis McGahee but will likely lead a committee with Ronnie Hillman and Lance Ball also taking carries. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: Moreno hasn't carried the ball since Week 2. We'd stay away from this situation in fantasy leagues but if you must play one of them we'd go with Hillman.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee's MRI revealed a torn MCL and a broken leg. He's expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks.
Insight: That makes McGahee a long shot to return before the end of the regular season. McGahee owners should be gunning for backup Ronnie Hillman on the waiver wire this week.
Description: Broncos halfback Willis McGahee is set to have an MRI on his right knee on Monday. McGahee suffered the injury in the first half of Sunday's win against the Chargers.
Insight: Ronnie Hillman relieved McGahee and finished the afternoon with 43 yards on 12 carries. McGahee's MRI results will probably end up determining his availability for next Sunday's game against the Chiefs.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee left Sunday's game with San Diego in the second quarter with an apparent knee injury.
Insight: McGahee has had a solid RB2 season, running for 676 yards and four touchdowns heading into the game. His backup is Ronnie Hillman though Lance Ball will also see some work.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee, who has lost four fumbles this season, was given a vote of confidence by OC Mike McCoy. "We're going to keep giving him the ball and he's got to protect it," said McCoy in a Denver Post report.
Insight: McGahee has had a solid RB2 season, running for 676 yards with four touchdowns and catching 25 balls for 203 yards. Despite the fumbling problem, backup Ronnie Hillman has just six rushing attempts over the last two games. Keep McGahee in your starting lineup.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee has lost four fumbles this season. He put the ball on the turf twice Sunday against Carolina.
Insight: McGahee has had a solid RB2 season, running for 676 yards with four touchdowns and catching 25 balls for 203 yards. However, he's fumbled five times this season and could lose some carries to Ronnie Hillman if he doesn't start taking care of the football.
Description: Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas caught nine balls for 135 yards Sunday against Carolina.
Insight: Thomas owners suffered a scare when he left the game late in the first half with an apparent knee injury but the receiver returned in the second half. Thomas has been a consistent WR1 this season, posting 891 yards with five 100-yard efforts in nine games.
Description: Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas left Sunday's game in the first half but he returned to the field in full uniform for the start of the third quarter.
Insight: Thomas went down and clutched his knee late in the first half. He had to be helped off the field by two trainers but is evidently fine.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning dished out three touchdown passes Sunday in a win against Cincinnati.
Insight: He has now thrown for at least three touchdowns in each of his last five games. It wasn't all good for Manning though. He threw a pair of third quarter interceptions and by finishing with 291 yards, he broke his streak of five straight 300-yard games.
Description: Denver wide receiver Eric Decker crossed the goal line twice Sunday in a 31-23 win over the Bengals.
Insight: Decker has scored a touchdown in each of his last five games with four coming over the last two weeks. He only needs 29 more yards to match his career-high for yards in a season.
Description: Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter is inactive for Sunday's game against Cincinnati .
Insight: Porter had a seizure during the offseason and is still feeling the effects. His absence could allow Andrew Hawkins to do some damage. The other corner, Champ Bailey, will likely take on A.J. Green in a one-on-one match worth watching.
Description: Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter missed Friday's practice and Sunday's game against Cincinnati is in doubt.
Insight: Porter had a seizure during the offseason and is still feeling the effects. His absence could allow Andrew Hawkins to do some damage. The other corner, Champ Bailey, will likely take on A.J. Green in a one-on-one match worth watching.
Description: Denver QB Peyton Manning was named AFC Offensive Player of the Month for October.
Insight: Manning threw for nine touchdowns during the month while compiling an absurd 126.7 quarterback rating. His 109 QB rating for the season is his highest since 2004 (121.1).
Description: Broncos cornerback Tracy Porter is expected to miss Sunday's game against New Orleans because of an illness.
Insight: Porter had a seizure during the offseason and is still feeling the effects. His absence should make things a little easier for Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who could be without his starting tight end Jimmy Graham for the second straight week.
Description: Denver CB Tracy Porter (illness) was back at practice Wednesday. He was in full pads and participated in drills.
Insight: The Broncos face his former team, New Orleans, and given Drew Brees' propensity for the pass, will certainly need Porter on the field if they are to slow down the Saints' offense.
Description: Denver rookie running back Ronnie Hillman was shown a lot of confidence by the Broncos coaching staff on Monday night. He was the primary backup for Willis McGahee and played in third-and-long blitzing situations.
Insight: Coach John Fox doesn't have a history of using rookie running backs so the fact that Hillman is ahead of Knowshon Moreno and Lance Ball just six games into the season says a lot. McGahee is still the lead back, but Hillman's fantasy value is headed in the right direction.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was once again the "Garbage Man" Monday night against the Chargers, but this time was able to bring Denver a big comeback win.
Insight: The Broncos fell behind by 20-plus points for the fourth time in six games Monday as the Chargers led 24-0 at the half but Manning led the team back to win 35-24. He finished 24-of-30 for 309 yards, three TDs and a pick, his fourth straight 300-yard game. Manning has an 11-to-1 TD/INT ratio in that span.
Description: According to the Denver Post, Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas was limited in Thursday's practice due to a hip injury. He should be fine to play this week, however.
Insight: Thomas suffered the injury last week against New England but he didn't leave the game. The Broncos receiver has been tremendous for fantasy owners this season, catching 30 passes for 505 yards and two touchdowns, though he has lost three fumbles in five games.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has thrown for 330-plus yards in three straight games, including 345 and three scores Sunday against the Patriots.
Insight: Manning has been a garbage-time monster as Denver has fallen behind by at least 20 points in three of its five games this season. Aside from one quarter against the Falcons, Manning has thrown 11 TD passes and zero interceptions.
Description: Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas had 188 yards on nine catches Sunday against the Patriots.
Insight: Thomas has been spectacular this season, catching 30 passes for 513 yards and two scores. The one problem has been his ball security -- he's lost a fumble in three straight games.
Description: Broncos wideout Eric Decker connected with Peyton Manning seven times for 79 yards and a touchdown, Decker's first of the season, Sunday against Oakland.
Insight: Manning is heavily targeting Decker and Demaryius Thomas this season so owners should have no problem starting both of them.
Description: Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas turned in his second 100-yard receiving game of the season Sunday against Oakland.
Insight: Thomas hasn't scored in the last two weeks but after totaling just 34 yards on three receptions in Week 3 he grabbed five balls for 103 yards Sunday. The receiver did fumble away the ball following a 40-yard gain but he's clearly one of Peyton Manning's favorite targets.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee (ribs) had no issues running for 112 yards on 19 carries and a score Sunday after leaving with a rib injury in Week 3.
Insight: McGahee has two 100-yard games in four weeks and three rushing touchdowns on the season. He's one of the most reliable RB2s around.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning turned in a vintage performance Sunday against Oakland, throwing for 338 yards, three touchdowns and zero picks on 30-of-38 efficiency.
Insight: For a guy who critics have been saying can't throw anymore, Manning sure looked good Sunday. The Broncos QB threw three picks in Week 2; in the other three games he has an 8-to-0 TD/INT ratio.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee (ribs) is listed as probable for Week 4, according to the Denver Post.
Insight: McGahee left Sunday's game against Houston with injured ribs but he's been fine in practice this week. Even if he wears protection for his ribs he should still be fine to start as a RB2 in 12-team leagues.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee (ribs) will likely play Sunday, according to the Denver Post. McGahee practiced fully Thursday after turning in a limited session Wednesday.
Insight: The Post said McGahee "appears to be on track to play Sunday against Oakland." He'll decide later this week if he'll wear additional padding to protect the ribs but he should be able to handle 15-20 touches against an average Raiders run defense.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee (ribs) is listed as day-to-day, according to the Denver Post. McGahee left Sunday's game against the Texans in the third quarter due to a rib injury.
Insight: McGahee had two lackluster fantasy performances so far this season but rushed for 113 yards and two scores in Week 2 and is the clear-cut No. 1 back on the Broncos when healthy. Ronnie Hillman is the necessary handcuff for McGahee owners.
Description: Denver running back Willis McGahee left Sunday's contest against Houston in the third quarter because of a rib injury and did not return.
Insight: No word on the severity, but if McGahee can't go in Week 4 the running game would fall on the shoulders of Lance Ball and rookie Ronnie Hillman.
Description: Broncos wideout Eric Decker had his best game of the season in Week 3, catching eight passes for 136 yards.
Insight: Demaryius Thomas was Peyton Manning's favorite target in the first two weeks but Decker stepped up Sunday against Houston. His day could have been even better but a touchdown intended for him was tipped into the air and ended up in the hands of tight end Joel Dreessen. Thomas and Decker are both fantasy starters, though Decker has more value in PPR leagues than standard scoring formats.
Description: Denver halfback Willis McGahee left Sunday's contest against Houston because of a rib injury. His return is questionable.
Insight: The Broncos are down by 20 and need to air it out to stay in this game so McGahee probably wouldn't have been much of a factor even if he was still on the field. We're betting he's done for the day.
Description: Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno is inactive Sunday. Ronnie Hillman will back up Willis McGahee.
Insight: Moreno has rushed for 15 yards on eight carries and a touchdown in the first two weeks. His deactivation should tell you all you need to know about McGahee's status as the lead back.
Description: Broncos running back Willis McGahee carried the ball 22 times for 113 yards and two touchdowns Monday night against the Falcons.
Insight: The Sporting News reported last week that McGahee's days as a 20-carry back were over but we didn't buy that notion then, and we don't buy it now. We can't see there being a set limit for McGahee with Peyton Manning calling the shots at the line. If the game dictates McGahee gets 20-plus carries, Manning will call his number 20-plus times.
Description: Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas (shoulder) is listed as probable on this week's injury report.
Insight: Thomas has been a full participation in practice for the last three days. He's a near-lock to play Monday night against the Falcons. Atlanta is missing cornerback Brent Grimes and Thomas has five to six inches on Asante Samuel and Dunta Robinson.
Description: According to the Sporting News, the Broncos will continue to limit veteran running back Willis McGahee's carries while "liberally" rotating Knowshon Moreno in relief. The Sporting News suggests that McGahee's days of 20-to-25 carries are over.
Insight: We don't totally buy the notion that McGahee is done as a 20-carry back. After all, he had 16 carries for 64 yards in the season opener against a tough Steelers run defense, and an early lost fumble may have had something to do with his reduced workload. The bigger concern is that Moreno vultured a touchdown near the goal line Sunday. If McGahee doesn't get goal line touches his value will be severely diminished. For now, keep starting him as a RB2 but demote him to RB3/flex if he doesn't carry the ball close to the end zone this week.
Description: Denver rookie running back Ronnie Hillman was inactive for the season opener. "It was a combination of both (physical and mental) when you're a rookie," coach John Fox told the Denver Post. "Right now, physically he's better, but he missed a lot of time.
Insight: Fox doesn't have a history of using rookie running backs and add in the lost reps due to injury and you have a severly limited opportunity. Knowshon Moreno was the backup to Willis McGahee in Week 1 and likely will continue until the team is sure Hillman won't let his quarterback get killed by a blitzing linebacker.
Description: Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas turned in an excellent line on the strength of a 71-yard screen pass for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Insight: Thomas had five catches for 110 yards, the majority coming on the catch-and-run on a screen from Peyton Manning. Manning and Thomas still have to develop timing and chemistry on routes but Thomas' size and speed should be enough to get him plenty of fantasy points in the interim.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was phenomenal in his debut with the team Sunday night against the Steelers, completing 19-of-26 passes and averaging 9.7 yards per attempt.
Insight: Manning finished with 253 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. These were very encouraging signs for those who drafted the Broncos QB expecting a return to form after four neck surgeries.
Description: According to the Sporting News, the connection between QB Peyton Manning and WR Demaryius Thomas has been "balky" at times during practice. Thomas also didn't make precise cuts on multiple pass routes in the preseason.
Insight: Eric Decker is a better route runner than Thomas and we think he'll be more effective early in the season. We still like Thomas as a starting receiver this season due to his talent, but Manning's offense is predicated on exact timing so he may struggle to make an impact until he develops better route running skills.
Description: Broncos wideout Eric Decker caught two touchdowns Sunday and now has eight catches for 101 yards in the preseason.
Insight: Decker could have a huge role this season as Peyton Manning's go to guy underneath. Consider him a WR2 in PPR leagues and a WR3 in standard formats
Description: According to several reports, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is having a difficult time throwing to his right. ESPN's John Clayton and Scouts Inc. analyst Matt Williamson said while Manning was his usual self throwing to his left, he had issues throwing to the opposite side, according to ESPN AFC West blogger Bill Williamson.
Insight: It's difficult to believe Manning will ever be the same player he was with the Colts, which makes his current price tag pretty steep (ADP: 6.11).
Description: Though Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning's line didn't look great Saturday, there are some positives to take away from the game. Manning threw two picks but he had a dropped TD pass and took his first hit since undergoing four neck surgeries.
Insight: Manning was drilled by defensive end Bruce Irvin but he got back up and threw a 22-yard pass to Brandon Stokley on the next play. Former Colts teammate and new Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme then dropped a wide-open TD pass six seconds before the half.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning had a rough half in the Broncos' preseason game Saturday against the Seahawks, completing 16-of-23 passes but tossing two interceptions and no touchdowns.
Insight: That Manning managed to walk away unscathed after a full half of football is more important than the numbers he put up, but we'd like to see him start getting in sync with his receivers before we fully recommend him as a QB1.
Description: Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning told Jim Rome on Rome "My arm has a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns on it, so it's probably not going to be the same as it was when it was 22, but I still think it can complete some passes."
Insight: Manning looked a little rusty, but healthy in the Broncos first preseason game. If he and the receiving corps get on the same page, he may not need the 22-year-old version of Manning because he's a lot smarter than he was 14 years ago.
Description: In his Broncos debut, quarterback Peyton Manning completed four of seven passes for 44 yards and an interception.
Insight: Manning's interception wasn't really his fault as the ball fell through his receiver's hands before Chicago safety Major Wright reeled it in on the deflection. Don't expect Manning to get too many reps during Denver's exhibition slate as the Broncos will be looking to preserve the 36-year-old for the regular season.
Description: According to NFL.com, Broncos VP John Elway said quarterback Peyton Manning will play "one or two series" in Thursday's preseason game against the Colts.
Insight: Manning will be taking part in his first live game action in 19 months after having four neck surgeries last offseason. How he looks in limited action Thursday may show us what to expect from him this season. The key factors to look for will be how Manning's arm strength has progressed and how he reacts if he takes a hit.
Description: Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno came off the bench after starter Willis McGahee and veteran Lance Ball. Rookie Ronnie Hillman (hamstring) did not play, but is also likely ahead of Moreno.
Insight: The former first-round pick isn't likely to have any fantasy value this season unless McGahee gets hurt and Hillman is a bust. At this point he shouldn't be on your draft board.
Description: Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno is listed as the fourth back on the team's depth chart, but the Denver Post called that "deceptive" Tuesday since Moreno received several carries with the first-team offense during practice Tuesday.
Insight: While Moreno has a long way to go to earn the trust of a coaching staff that wasn't around when he was drafted in the first round, it's not farfetched that the back could have some fantasy value with the 30-year-old Willis McGahee in the catbird seat and only Lance Ball and Ronnie Hillman ahead of him on the depth chart. However, he shouldn't be drafted at this point.
Description: According to a report in the Denver Post, Caleb Hanie and not Brock Osweiler is No. 2 on the depth chart to Peyton Manning.
Insight: Hanie or Osweiler's fantasy value is simply as a handcuff to Manning, who before the neck injury, was been an ironman playing every game of his career. If the Broncos install a passing offense for Manning and he is injured, his replacement could have low end fantasy value.
Description: Newly acquired Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley has been working with the first team, according to a recent Denver Post report.
Insight: Stokley had his best seasons working with Manning in Indianapolis and that familiarity could translate to the receiver having fantasy value in 2012. He's still be a third receiver behind Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, but that was his role back in 2004 when he and Manning hooked up for 68 receptions, 1,077 yards and 10 TDs. We don't think those numbers are realistic, but he could still be a bye-week fill-in guy.
Description: An MRI confirmed that Broncos running back Mario Fannin tore his Achilles' tendon during Saturday's scrimmage. He's out for the season.
Insight: The speedy Fannin was competing with Ronnie Hillman, Lance Ball, Knowshon Moreno and Jeremiah Johnson to be Willis McGahee's backup and would have been a deep sleeper in fantasy leagues if he did ascend the depth chart.
Description: "He's a guy we're going to feature," Manning said of Broncos wideout Demaryius Thomas in a Denver Post report. "His size and strength and speed just allow you to do certain things with him that other players just can't do."
Insight: With Eric Decker temporarily sidelined (groin), Thomas has made people take notice, including his MVP quarterback. We've notice too and our Sports Network projections show that we expect him to be an elite fantasy receiving option.
Description: Denver rookie running back Ronnie Hillman left Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury according to a CBSsports.com report.
Insight: A rookie back has a hard enough time getting playing time from coach John Fox, so anything that robs him of reps hurts his chances to be the No.2 option in the Broncos backfield. Willis Mcgahee isn't a young chicken and Knowshon Moreno has proven more bust than player, so Hillman is probably the long-term answer, but may not help your fantasy roster much this season.
Description: Broncos kicker Matt Prater appears to have agreed to a four-year deal.
Insight: Denver's wideouts aren't the only fantasy players who should see a jump in production with Peyton Manning at the controls. Add in the thin air of Denver which makes for plenty of 50-plus yard bonus opportunities and Prater should be a top-five fantasy kicker in 2012.
Description: Denver rookie running back Ronnie Hillman may be the most talented running back in the Broncos camp, but that doesn't mean he'll be a starter anytime soon. Coach John Fox has always refrained from using rookies in major roles.
Insight: With McGahee's age and mileage and Knowshon Moreno's status as a bust, Hillman is probably the future for the Denver running game. Still, barring an early season injury, he may not have starter fantasy value until the second half of the season or 2013.
Description: According to USA Today's Nate Davis, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning showed diminished velocity on deep passes during Tuesday's minicamp.
Insight: Granted, this is just one person's observation but Manning clearly has a big hill to climb after having four separate neck surgeries last season. Manning is still rehabbing, so there's a chance his velocity on deep throws will return. Davis said that Manning did look "sharp and accurate" on intermediate throws.
Description: Lindsay Jones of the Denver Post said Broncos running back Knowshown Moreno is "fighting for a roster spot" at Broncos OTAs.
Insight: Even if Moreno makes the Broncos' roster, he won't have any fantasy value unless there are injuries to the multiple backs in front of him on the depth chart. Denver also figures to be a heavy passing team now that Peyton Manning is in the fold, so even Willis McGahee's value will be limited.
