Fantasy Football: Is it time to worry about Peyton Manning?

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Sep 15, 2015

With the very first week of fantasy football in the books, most owners still hold onto hope that the best has yet to come from their players. Such is the case with quarterback Peyton Manning after his abysmal performance against the Baltimore Ravens. While many fantasy owners knew he might he entering a declining year due to a new offensive system with the Broncos, they surely didn’t expect the kind of numbers Manning put up considering his usual streak of greatness in season opening games.

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Manning ended his game with a Week 1 victory for his Broncos but not thanks to his statistics. He totaled just 24 completions for 175 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. Fantasy owners more than likely were banking on a big first game for Manning but he left much to be desired.

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Is it time to worry about Manning and think about sticking with him on a weekly basis hoping he bounces back? It’s hard to believe but the truth of the matter is, Manning is 39 years old and has clearly lost the tenacity he once had when it came to what made him one of the best playing today.

Most fantasy owners tend to stick to him due to his name and past accomplishments but due to the new run-oriented Broncos’ offense, Manning will be limited in everything he pretty much does. While he still has some input when it comes to audibles at the line of scrimmage, his complete freedom to do whatever he wanted on offense is gone.

The Broncos plan to establish the run and play more conservative in hopes of not only preserving Manning but giving them a different dimension and feel on offense. This doesn’t bode well for fantasy owners that are hoping for Manning to throw for several touchdowns in a single game.

Manning is overthrowing his targets and doesn’t have that sharpness in his accuracy he had a few years ago. His arm strength just isn’t what it use to be as if his Week 1 performance is any indication, it’s definitely time to worry about considering other options to use in your starting lineup since he’ll be facing some tough defenses these next few weeks.

Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks with head coach Gary Kubiak on the sidelines during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

With the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings all coming up, Manning will be facing some young defenses ready to make a statement. While there is a decent chance Manning will bounce back from his abysmal performance, fantasy owners should definitely start thinking about trading for another option in case he gets into a funk he can’t get out of early in the season.

Before his performance against the Ravens, many viewed Manning as a QB2 option that should be used in lineups if it’s a highly favorable matchup. With this game behind him, Manning will more than likely not produce the high kind of numbers many thought he would entering his 18th season in the NFL.

Overall, it’s definitely time to worry about Manning when it comes to his fantasy value. This could very well be the year that proves once and for all that his time might be coming to an end as a starting quality option in both fantasy football and on the Broncos.

Next: St. Louis Rams: Jared Cook now fantasy-relevant?

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