AFC West Fantasy Football Stock Market
This series of articles focuses on how the new breed of talent from the NFL draft plans to affect overall fantasy football player value. Continuing with our stock market report, Gridiron Experts takes a look at the AFC West.
Previous Articles: NFC EAST | AFC EAST | NFC SOUTH | AFC SOUTH | NFC WEST

*AFC West: Three out of the four teams in this division added talent that will have a chance to step onto the field and maybe make impacts in  fantasy football. The Raiders stuck to improving their defense but did acquire their new 2010 quarterback.

Denver Broncos

Demaryius Thomas WR 6’3 230 lbs

Goodbye Brandon Marshall, hello rookie replacement. Demaryius Thomas is an explosive receiver with a very similar build and style to the ex-Bronco 100-reception-wonder. Although, Marshall’s numbers were so amazing that comparisons could start to haunt this poor kid who has to come in and fill a major role. There is no doubt that Thomas will be asked to step up early and should be awarded a starting spot by training camp.

Demaryius Thomas had a very impressive college resume that will carry him over into the NFL fluidly, but that lack of quarterback talent and surrounding cast will definitely be the anchor that holds this rookie back. Questions to the Broncos offensive line have people wondering if the running game will be as affective in 2010, also I not sure Kyle Orton will ever instill fear into the eyes of his opponents.

The Broncos started 6-0 last season before melting into a 8-8 club. Did the offensive formula  that worked so well to start just need time to be figured out? The second half of the season defensive coordinators could read McDaniels game plan like and open book, as points were hard to come by. Either the case, D. Thomas and his new breed of Broncos will try to make people forget about previous versions of what this team looked and sounded like.

Opportunity: WR1
Stock Value: High – Thomas will be a player that you will either thank yourself for drafting early or kicking yourself later for thinking he’d be around in the late

Eric Decker WR 6’2 215 lbs

3rd round pick Eric Decker is a player that really caught my eye on film. I have been very impressed by this kids fearlessness and ability to make the tough catch in traffic. Decker is all about the circus grab and has the wheels to burn his opponents there after. Although, his chances of cracking the starting line-up on the team will be difficult, the Broncos do have a lot of depth. But don’t be surprised if his name pops up when training camp starts up.

Tim Tebow QB 6’3 240 lbs

Tebow in my mind, was a flashing hood ornament to the Broncos 2010 draft class. He provides no real purpose this season and realistically is a long shot as a project in the McDaniel’s offseason. I would have thought he would have fit better in Miami, where they are currently running a version of the option “wildcat” offensive. Tebow has no fantasy value in 2010, and I’m not sure if there is any keeper value with him either.

San Diego Chargers

Ryan Mathews RB 5″11 220lbs

Mathews is this years “gotta have player” in fantasy football. The Chargers made no hiding the fact that Mathews was their guy and they moved up to grab him in this years 2010 draft. With Ladianion Tomlinson gone, the backfield is now free for a new young talent to walk in and try to find holes to run through.

Personally I know the pain Charger fans have felt the last couple seasons with their running game as I had LT in my fantasy pool. Tomlinson has lost a step but he was not the whole problem. I tend to believe part of the blame can go to the offensive line. In years past LT would find a seam and burn through it, but in the last 2 years the holes were harder to find. I’m sure Mathews will have an easier time, being a fresh rookie with a full head of steam, but I do think that the Chargers have been groomed for the passing game, and that the O-Line is far better at pass protection than they are at moving the pile.

Mathews true test will be handling a full work load. Sporles will be a savior at times, reveling pressure with his elusive speed, but there is no doubt the heart and soul rides on Mathews catching on quickly. The Chargers are now a pass first team, but if they can use their backfield effectively, yards will be very easy to come by.

Awarded: RB1
Stock Value: Very High – If you are lucky enough to snag Ryan Mathews this year, take this pick with a grain of salt. He could turn out to be the fantasy stud that can carry your team to a championship, or Mathews could be an average 700 yard 6 TD type guy. Draft other options as there is no such think as a “sure thing” in fantasy football.

Kansas City Cheifs

Dexter McCluster WR 5’8 165 lbs

Converting McCluster into a WR is a very odd move. I have him at a buck-65 but the coaching staff will most likely be feeding him all summer.  McCluster’s speed and hands have earned him a chance to become a special project for the Chiefs. Maybe the thinking is to create a Wes Welker type run after the catch option, a lot like what Matt Cassel had when he was in New England. With Bowe and Chambers as the vertical threats, McCluster can cut and read around defenders underneath finding holes for solid yardage. Fantasy value is hard to determine at this point, but if used correctly this speedy weapon could help the offensive immensely this season.

Opportunity: Slot WR (WR3)
Stock Value: Low to Very-High – training camp will be where we learn if this project will actually see the light of day. The fall back plan is for McCluster to be a 3rd down RB.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders had an excellent draft, concentrating on their defense and offensive line. The only new fantasy name that came about  was ex-Redskin Jason Campbell, who was acquired for a bag of footballs. Campbell, a player who has played in more versions of  NFL playcalling styles than most 10 year veteran quarterbacks, should do very well dressed in black and silver. A lot like McNabb’s new role in Washington as Campbell’s replacement,  the Raiders plan to revolve their offense around the running game and tough defense. Jason Campbell will have a fresh start and should look to prove to fans that he is better than previous years past.