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Rumors are circulating that Knowshon Moreno will be relegated to the Denver Broncos’ third down back once free agency hits. DeAngelo Williams, who has a long history with new Broncos coach John Fox, is rumored to taking over as Denver’s primary ball carrier. Whether it’s D-Will or not, the Broncos have made it clear that adding a running back is one of the top priorities of their condensed free agency period.
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Does that mean that Knowshon Moreno’s fantasy value is dead? Not quite. He’s just 24 so he remains a somewhat valuable commodity in keeper and dynasty leagues. Who the Broncos sign will determine how big of  a hit he takes.
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While he dealt with injuries last year, which led to a 168 rushing yard regression, his yards per carry increased from 3.8 to 4.3 and his yards per game increased by 0.7. He had just one fewer combined touchdown despite playing in three fewer games and having 56 fewer touches. Moreno caught nine more passes (37) than in 2009 for 159 more yards for a ridiculous 28.6 yards per catch.
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Plus, at 5’11″, 210 pounds he’s more than just a change-of-pace back, though his toughness has been questioned.
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One thing going for him is John Fox’s ability to effectively run a dual running back attack. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were both valuable fantasy options prior to last year. He has also been rewarded for sticking with a highly touted running back that underachieved for two years when D-Will exploded for 1515 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2008.
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Moreno’s current Mock Draft Central is 18, which is probably high considering the plan to add a running back and Tim Tebow’s ability to run the ball at the goal line. Right now I’d like him as a RB3 (especially in PPR leagues). That will dip to RB4 if a veteran like D-Will is signed to take the lead back role.
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Also check out:

• 2011 Early Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Early Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Early Fantasy Football TE Rankings

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In a bit of a shocking development, Knowshon Moreno has been ruled out of this week because of an undisclosed injury. Josh McDaniels learned from Bill Belichick so don’t expect an injury update any time soon. Correll Buckhalter and newly acquired Laurence Maroney are expected to carry the load. Given the Broncos match-up against Indianapolis, this is a big blow to Moreno owners. Both Buckhalter and Maroney are risky plays even in a flex slot.

Josh McDaniels took in one of the Patriots’ castoffs, picking up RB Laurence Maroney in a trade. Maroney’s fantasy value doesn’t change unless there is an injury to Knowshon Moreno. He will merely provide depth along with Correll Buckhalter.

As for the Patriots, this solidifies Fred Taylor’s starting gig. Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, and BenJarvus Green-Ellis will share the load.

If you were holding onto Mauroney in hopes that he would win back his starting gig with the Pats, feel free to cut him loose.

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A flurry of RB injury news came in. None of it is positive for fantasy owners.
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Michael Bush (thumb) is listed as questionable for the Raiders’ game against Tennessee. Do not consider using Bush. Darren McFadden makes a decent flex play.
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Knowshon Moreno (hamstring) is listed as probably for the Broncos game against Jacksonville. He can be used as a flex play, but it’s a risky proposition.
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Beanie Wells was virtually rendered useless in Week 1 when Ken Whisenhunt said that he might contribute in a few plays. That may be coach-speak, but I would stay clear from Beanie unless you hear otherwise. Meanwhile, Tim Hightower is looking like a stronger flex play against the Rams.

Image courtesy of Icon SMI

Knowshon Moreno got a small dose of the NFL last year as Denver limited his carries with five games of ten or fewer carries. They wanted to make sure they didn’t overwork the rookie. Despite getting a little over 15 carries per game on the year, Moreno had 1160 yards (947) rushing and 9 TDs (7 rushing).

In the games he topped 15 carries he averaged 89.8 total yards (74.8 rushing) with 4 TDs in nine games. True, he never topped 100 rushing yards in any game on the year, but clearly the potential is there.

I expected him to have a more prominent role in the offense this year as he is their top weapon now that Brandon Marshall is gone, but his hamstring injury has me worried. Depending on how he responds to the injury, his numbers could be dramatically lowered. However, it happened at the right time and maybe he doesn’t miss much time. Not only could he eventually see more 15+ carry games once he’s back to full strength, but he could also see an increase in the 28 catches he had last year.

When all is said Moreno has the chance to be a top 15 RB (click to see my 2010 RB rankings) with 1450 total yards (1150 rushing), close to 40 catches, and 8 TDs.

People are going to be scared off because of his injury. I don’t blame them. His ADP according to Mock Draft Central is 32, but that number is going to drop. I will still take a chance on  him though. I just like his upside. He is a powerful runner that can score TDs and catch passes. He’s young, athletic, and didn’t get overworked last year. Without Marshall the Broncos should be a more run-oriented offense, which could lead to a monster season for the second year back.

What do you expect from Knowshon Moreno?