Fantasy Football 2020: Denver Broncos reloaded offense rife with targets

How many viable fantasy football targets will the Denver Broncos boast?

In a division, the AFC West, loaded with fantasy intrigue and talent, the Denver Broncos enter the 2020 season as dark-horse playoff candidates. Defensive-minded head coach Vic Fangio values tough, team defense but it is their offense that has seen a vast amount of attention this offseason. Just how many viable fantasy football targets may we see on Denver’s offense?

Second-year quarterback Drew Lock, at just 23 years old, may only have five NFL starts but it is what he’s done in those starts that has drawn credible attention. Over his five starts last season, Lock tossed seven touchdowns to three interceptions and had a 64.1 percent completion rate, leading Denver to a 4-1 record over that span.

The running back room in Denver was the first skill room to see an upgrade this offseason when the team went out and signed two-time Pro Bowler Melvin Gordon.

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Though only playing 12 games in 2019, Gordon still finished as fantasy’s RB25. Since 2017, Gordon is fourth in the NFL in missed tackles forced on runs with 117 broken tackles, ranked behind Derrick Henry, Kareem Hunt and Chris Carson, per PFF (subscription required).

New offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has tended to coach more of a one-running back system, so Gordon’s presence may hurt the fantasy values of fellow Broncos, last year’s RB19, Phillip Lindsay, and RB40, Royce Freeman, in fantasy football.

Wide receiver Courtland Sutton broke out last season in his second year with Denver, utilizing his 6-4, 215-pound frame to rack in over 70 catches and 1,000 yards on his way to a spot at the Pro Bowl. The 24-year-old’s ability to track the ball in the air makes him a comfortable deep target for Lock.

Sutton, last year’s fantasy WR17, should benefit from the addition of rookie wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, Denver’s 2020 first-round pick who many had docked as the best receiver in the class. Jeudy’s suddenness can make him a nightmare in single coverage.

Jeudy’s big-play ability and elite route-running will also open up opportunities for Sutton and former rookie, second-round slot receiver KJ Hamler.

Let’s not forget about tight end Noah Fant, who finished as last year’s TE16 in fantasy football, but his athleticism and savvy have opened the 22-year-old up to comparisons to George Kittle.

With the influx of weapons this offseason, the Denver Broncos have aggressively proven their belief in Lock. And now they’ve created a potential fantasy football cornucopia for the 2020 season but especially for dynasty owners to keep an eye on.