Broncos vs. Cowboys: 5 Lessons You Can Learn in Time for Your Fantasy Draft

It's that time a year again, when people everywhere are searching for rankings, projections, stats, and any other update they can find before their fantasy football draft.

And the NFL's preseason can give us a bit of a glimpse as to what to expect come time for the regular season.

That being said, don't take too much of what the preseason offers, as the starters are out most of the time.

However, allow this slide to be a part of your repertoire in terms of what to look for when scouting the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys in tonight's game.

QBs: Kyle Orton vs Tony Romo

Last season Kyle Orton finished 3-10 as a starter, but was very productive in terms of fantasy as he threw 20 TDs to only nine picks.

In addition, he's amassed over 3,600 yards passing each season in Denver.

As for Tony Romo, he only played in six games through 2010, throwing 11 TDs and seven interceptions.

And, despite only throwing for 1,605 yards, that averages to 267 per game for the six games he played.

Also, prior to 2010, Romo averaged over 3,700 yards per season (2006-09).

You really can't go wrong with either QB, but just know that Denver has a better blind-side tackle in Ryan Clady, as opposed to Doug Free in Dallas (although he's still pretty decent).

Lesson: Don't think too much about one or the other, just pick one and go with him, because both are valuable starters that can rank up points.

If you find yourself struggling to decide, then just do yourself a favor, and flip a coin.

RBs: Felix Jones vs Knowshon Moreno

Here's the difference between Knowshon Moreno and Felix Jones; One will be splitting carries while the other is the main man.

In Denver, the Broncos just signed veteran Willis McGahee from Baltimore to add depth and talent to the RB position.

Also, third year RB Knowshon Moreno has not lived up to the expectations of a No. 12 overall pick.

You can anticipate Moreno starting, but don't be surprised if McGahee takes the reigns by mid-season.

In Dallas, the Cowboys have gotten rid of Marion Barber, and Felix Jones is now the starting RB.

Only Tashard Choice appears to be the one to take away some carries, but don't discount rookie DeMarco Murray from Oklahoma.

That said, Jones has been improving since he joined the Cowboys in 2008.

Lesson: Neither guy is a top-notch fantasy RB, but if you have to pick, Felix Jones is the better of the two.

Additionally, Tony Romo is coming off an injury-stricken year, so Dallas may run the rock more.

WRs: Brandon Lloyd vs Miles Austin

Here are two WRs that should be starters on every one of their owner's teams.

It took Brandon Lloyd seven years to become relevant, but he's coming off an All-Pro season nonetheless.

2010 was by far his best season, where he totaled 11 TDs on 77 receptions, for almost 1,500 yards.

Expect him to be playing at a high level once again.

As for Miles Austin, he's been selected to the Pro Bowl the past two seasons (18 TDs, over 2,300 yards, 150 catches), and has solidified himself as the premier WR in Dallas.

Lesson: Much like their QBs Kyle Orton and Tony Romo, neither guy is a bad decision.

However, check out their schedule and see which group of DBs will covering them, because that in turn, could be the difference in your decision.

Research is key when thinking about WRs.

TEs: Jason Witten vs Daniel Fells

Here is where the Broncos and Cowboys significantly differ.

Jason Witten is a proven top five (top ten at the worst) TE in pro football.

He's been Tony Romo's favorite target every season, and is very good at getting those yards after the catch.

For the Broncos, well, right now their starter is listed as Daniel Fells, who has less than 800 receiving yards in his career.

And, even if Denver goes with another TE, by the time the regular season kicks off, only Dante Rosario appears to be the best choice.

Even then, none of Denver's TEs come close to Witten.

Lesson: If you need a TE and Jason Witten is there, take him. Don't try to wait it out and see if you can steal him toward the end.

Because if that happens, you may be left with a TE from Denver who won't be much of a receiving target.

Remember, there's only so many threatening TEs as a receiving target, and Shannon Sharpe doesn't play for Denver anymore.

Broncos Defense vs Cowboys Defense

In terms of who'll get more sacks, it's a basically a wash.

Elvis Dumervil and DeMarcus Ware are both beasts, while Anthony Spencer and Von Miller will act as the Robin to Ware's and Dumervil's Batman.

Elsewhere, Dallas has an aging Keith Brooking (who'll be 36 in October), while their secondary is skeptical against the pass.

For the Broncos, they definitely had one of the league's worst defenses in 2010, but have significantly improved this off-season.

For one, Dumervil is healthy, they drafted Miller and Rahim Moore, and Champ Bailey, as well as Brian Dawkins, remain in the secondary (despite both being very old).

Denver is the better defense, but it's not by much as both teams have much ground to make up in comparison to other D's in their own conference.

Lesson: Only if you want/need a backup defense should you consider either team.

Denver is the safer choice, but they're not a starting fantasy defense.

So, make sure you have a solid defense, that way you can use either Dallas or Denver as a fail-safe.