Fantasy Football 2015 preview: Draft busts

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Peyton Manning

Oh what a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago, Peyton Manning was coming off the back of an MVP-winning, record-setting 2013 campaign and looked poised to maintain his high standard with Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Julius Thomas.

Manning made a strong start to the season, throwing for 2,572 yards, 24 touchdowns and just five interceptions in his first eight games. In his final eight however, he posted 2,155 yards, 15 touchdowns and ten interceptions.

In the first half of the season, his average passer rating was 116.5. In the second half, it was down to 91.5. It’s from poor, but his time on top looks to be over

Maybe a healthy quad will result in performances closer resembling the first half of last season, but it’s still a big risk taking him early, which will undoubtedly need to happen to land him.

Manning still has Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but Julius has departed and been replaced with Owen Daniels.

It’s likely we will see the Broncos running the ball more often with C.J. Anderson, something we saw happen at the backend of last season as Manning’s performances dropped.

At 39 years old, this isn’t the Manning of old.

Next: A familiar face