Peyton Manning’s injury may impact the Indianapolis Colts far more than your fantasy team. If you already have Peyton on your fantasy team, it could be a simple fix for the first couple of weeks until he gets healthy. In most FA wires, Kyle Orton is lurking with no suitors. I would pick him up quicker than I would take Adrian Peterson number one overall right now. Orton is undoubtedly the most underrated quarterback in the NFL right now. Some may argue the new coaching regime, and the willingness to run the ball, will hurt him, but I argue it will only open things up and help Orton be even more effective. Now if Orton is not available others that could be great back ups include: Mark Sanchez, Matt Cassel, and Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Bills. I would go with Cassel if he is available and Orton is not.
Now if you have yet to have your draft but were, or still are thinking about Manning, I will give you a few scenarios to go with. One thing you can do is go ahead and pick Manning in the 2nd to 3rd round area which is where he has been going. Then deeper in the draft between rounds 8-10 draft a Matt Stafford or a Josh Freeman. I would take Matt Stafford. You will be able to get him a lot later than Freeman, and Stafford will put up a lot bigger passing number than Freeman. The only knock on Stafford is… INJURY. Well hopefully he can stay healthy for the first 2 weeks. At least long enough to get Manning back. All kidding aside though, Stafford and Manning could be the best quarterback duo in a fantasy league. A winning duo, for sure. Until next time fantasy fans, take care.
