Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders Post-Week 3 Fantasy Advice

The Denver Broncos' push to retain their status as Super Bowl contenders continued Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

The Peyton Manning-led offense again produced in fits and starts, putting together a few solid drives but struggling to put points on the board. Manning nonetheless turned in a solid overall game, which comes as a sigh of relief for his fantasy owners and those who played Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.

Here is a look at how the trio performed in Week 3 and how to view the three stars going forward.

Peyton Manning

Completions/Attempts	Yards	TD	INT
31/42	324	2	1

Expecting Manning to be the Peyton Manning of old is a fool's errand. That guy isn't here, and he'll probably only come in spurts this season. If you drafted Manning with the expectation that he would replicate his 2014 form, disappointment awaits.

He's 39 years old with a balky neck and what seem to be anchors attached to his ankles. Age is the one thing Manning can never beat.

On the other hand, he's still more than good enough to keep his every-week-start status. Manning's "bad" form is what it would be like if Ryan Fitzpatrick had the best game of his life every week. The five-touchdown games are probably over, but Manning has such a deft understanding of the game that he's going to be effective come hell or high water.

The first three games have shown us a blueprint. Manning's going to dink and dunk his way down the field, Chad Penningtoning his way into the red zone before either finishing the drive himself or handing it off to one of the running backs. If someone is willing to buy low, do not hesitate to sell Manning for upgrades at other positions.

He's better than fill-ins on most weeks, but the difference between him and Joe Flacco, for example, is smaller than ever.

Demaryius Thomas

Receptions	Yards	TD	Targets
9	92	1	13

There isn't anything to worry about here. Thomas is a WR1 in every league and has been an excellent choice in points-per-reception formats. While the downfield plays haven't been there, Thomas has made seven or more receptions in every game this season and got into the end zone Sunday after being held out in the first two weeks.

Manning's struggles have affected Thomas less than anyone else on the roster. There is little reason to believe they will going forward. Manning's inability to push the ball downfield is a problem the Broncos will have to address in the postseason, but it's not something that will hurt Thomas' fantasy value. He's going to produce regardless thanks to the amount of opportunities he'll have.

That might not result in the same level of production he had over the past three seasons. Still, he's good enough that owners don't need to worry about keeping him in their starting lineups every week.

Emmanuel Sanders

Receptions	Yards	TD	Targets
6	87	0	9

Copy and paste most of what's been said about Thomas, sub in "WR2" for "WR1" and you have the opinion on Sanders. The Broncos aren't going to suddenly stop throwing the ball. Thomas and Sanders have enough of a body of work that no one needs to rethink their statuses.

On Sunday, Sanders wasn't at his performance level from a reception standpoint, when he grabbed 16 balls for 152 yards and two scores, but these things are cyclical. He's not going to catch eight passes per week. If his "off" weeks involve merely being a good PPR play and above-average standard play, that's par for the course for every WR2. Some are better than others, and Sanders remains especially intriguing in PPR formats.

Again, the production will be there regardless of the opponent. Sanders and Thomas will be great. Manning will be fine.

Everyone should sit down and realize the new normal in Denver is pretty good rather than spectacular.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.