Peyton Manning: Biggest Keys to Broncos QB's Fantasy Football Success in 2012

There used to be a time when Peyton Manning was the most coveted fantasy football prospect in every draft.

No more.

Manning will make his return to the gridiron in 2012 with a new team and a surgically-repaired neck. To put it bluntly: Manning is more of a risk than a reward this fall.

However, as a future Hall of Fame passer who boasts some of the best numbers the sport has ever seen, success is achievable for Manning. 

Here are the biggest keys to the Broncos quarterback having success in 2012.

Staying Healthy

First and foremost, Manning must stay healthy this season if he is going to return to being one of the top producing fantasy signal-callers. Manning is coming off neck surgery last season and will need to be extra careful, limiting the hits he takes and being sure not to over work his arm and shoulder.

At age 36, Manning's body has been dealt a lot, and the wear and tear of a 17-week regular season will surely test the veteran's physical strength. The biggest risk for fantasy owners with Manning on their squad is if he doesn't or can't suit up in the later weeks of the season, when fantasy playoffs commence.

Stellar Wide Receiver/Tight End Play

Manning will need pass catchers like Eric Decker, Jacob Tamme and Demaryius Thomas to step up in 2012 if he is to have a successful fantasy season. Gone are the days of Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark in Indianapolis. This season, Manning will rely on a plethora of unproven wide receivers in the Denver Broncos offense.

Decker and Thomas combined for only 76 catches all of last season, and will have to make adjustments now that they are running routes for a pocket passer like Manning rather than a dual threat quarterback in Tim Tebow.

For as accurate a passer as Manning is, he can't do it all for Denver. The wide receivers and tight ends will need to carry their weight this fall, running crisp routes and locking the ball into their hands each and every time Manning calls their number.

Above Average Running Game

Manning doesn't need a league-leading rushing attack like the Broncos boasted last season in order to be successful in 2012, but he certainly needs the help of an above average ground game this fall. Willis McGahee rushed for nearly 1,200 yards in 2011, and was aided by Tim Tebow and Lance Ball.

The trio of McGahee, Ball and Knowshon Moreno will have to help lift Denver's offense this season in order to open up passing lanes for Manning. Opposing defenses must be forced to respect the run, otherwise they will pin their ears back and make Manning's life miserable. 

Denver averaged 4.8 yards per rush last season. If it can find similar success in 2012, Manning will be on his way to a tremendous fantasy season.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter all season long for more NFL reaction and analysis.