Peyton Manning's 2014 season ended badly, with fewer yards and touchdowns, more turnovers, questions about his arm strength, and an ugly home playoff loss to the Colts team with which he spent most of his career. It was a dismal enough finish that many questioned whether he'd return for 2015, and Manning himself hedged.
But this story in the New Orleans Times-Picayune says Manning is training in preparation to return in 2015. It's not a huge surprise, but it at least reduces the uncertainty somewhat.
A Manning return is good news for the team's various skill position players. Demaryius Thomas isn't under contract for 2015, but the chances of him going elsewhere are basically nil. He'll either get a long-term deal or play under the franchise tag. Good news also for Emmanuel Sanders and running back C.J. Anderson, who emerged as the team's all-purpose back during the season. Another year of Manning running the offense is a plus.
The Broncos have a new head coach in Gary Kubiak, and there will be other changes. If the team does franchise Demaryius Thomas, for example, it won't be able to use the tag on Julius Thomas. The tight end isn't as certain to return, and he was a disappointment in 2014. He scored 12 TDs, but only 3 TDs came after Week 6.
But regardless of who's running the offense, Manning's fingerprints will be all over it; he's the one operating it out there. And if Julius (or even Demaryius) is gone, that will free up another player to emerge as a fantasy breakout. The team should have a significant tight end regardless -- Jacob Tamme, Virgil Green, or someone not currently on the roster.
Anderson is definitely a beneficiary. Manning even in his advanced age remains more than capable of keeping defenses honest, so he'll see softer fronts than he would with Brock Osweiler in there. And maybe the team will emphasize the run more than it did last year, with the idea of keeping Manning fresh and healthy in the second half of the season. Likely, in fact.
It's not official, but it's good news for everything connected with the Broncos. OK, except those holding Osweiler in dynasty leagues.
--Andy Richardson