Fantasy Football Profile: Peyton Manning

Tony Dungy is gone, but I can’t think of a QB more equipped to make the transition then Peyton Manning.  He had so much freedom with Dungy that he was pretty much running the show on offense anyway. 

He lost a weapon in Marvin Harrison, but let’s face it, Marvin wasn’t the same anymore.  Reggie Wayne should bounce back from a somewhat disappointing season.  Anthony Gonzalez should take the next step to becoming a weekly fantasy football starter. 

Dallas Clark is a top five TE and  Joseph Addai should bounce back giving them balance running the ball (along with Donald Brown) and another weapon in the passing game. 

Manning simply produces.  He has 4,000+ yards in all but two of his 11 seasons.  He has never thrown for less than 26 TDs with nine of the seasons throwing between 26-31 TDs.  He has never missed a start. 

Is he always the top fantasy scoring QB?  No.  He’s always in the conversation though.  There isn’t a more reliable option in fantasy football. 

He has some tough tests (Miami, Tennessee twice, New England, Baltimore, NY Jets) and some favorable matchups (Arizona, St. Louis, San Francisco, Denver).  His fantasy playoffs schedule (Weeks 14-16) is decent as he faces Denver, Jacksonville, and the Jets. 

He should be good for another 4,200 yards with 30 TDs.  He’ll be drafted mid-second/mid-third round.  He may not put up the numbers Drew Brees or Tom Brady does, but he’ll consistently put up big numbers.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com.