Fantasy Football 2011: Should You Close the Door on Knowshon Moreno?

Ryan LesterJul 19, 2011

Rumors are circulating that Knowshon Moreno will be relegated to the Denver Broncos third-down back once free agency hits. DeAngelo Williams, who has a long history with new Broncos coach John Fox, is rumored to taking over as Denver’s primary ball-carrier.

Whether it’s D-Will or not, the Broncos have made it clear that adding a running back is one of the top priorities of their condensed free-agency period.

Does that mean that Knowshon Moreno’s fantasy value is dead? Not quite. He’s just 24, so he remains a somewhat valuable commodity in keeper and dynasty leagues. Who the Broncos sign will determine how big of a hit he takes.

While he dealt with injuries last year, which led to a 168 rushing-yard regression, though his yards per carry increased from 3.8 to 4.3 and his yards per game increased by 0.7. He had just one fewer combined touchdown despite playing in three fewer games and having 56 fewer touches. Moreno caught nine more passes (37) than in 2009 for 159 more yards for a ridiculous 28.6 yards per catch.

Plus, at 5'11'', 210 pounds, he’s more than just a change-of-pace back, though his toughness has been questioned.

One thing going for him is John Fox’s ability to effectively run a dual running back attack. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were both valuable fantasy options prior to last year. He has also been rewarded for sticking with a highly touted running back that underachieved for two years when D-Will exploded for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2008.

Moreno’s current Mock Draft Central is 18, which is probably high considering the plan to add a running back and Tim Tebow’s ability to run the ball at the goal line. Right now, I’d like him as a RB3 (especially in PPR leagues). That will dip to RB4 if a veteran like D-Will is signed to take the lead back role.