I don’t even know why I’m predicting stats for “The Caveman”. If you have Orton anywhere near your fantasy team in 2009, God help you, especially now that he’s with Denver where they have no running back and a poor offensive line.
('09 Proj: 2,600 yds, 12 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) ~Jeremy Fischer
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With recent trade to Denver, Orton has an outside chance to become a solid sleeper in 2009. But there are a lot of things that have to go right for Orton this year. Will the Broncos draft a quarterback? Will Orton even beat out Simms? Can Orton continue to make something of Eddie Royal? That’s a lot of questions. That said, I think Orton should win the job for this year. And because of the supporting cast he’ll inherit, he could become a reliable No. 2 that’s utilized for more than just a bye week. The key will be his chemistry with Eddie Royal.
('09 Proj: 3,400 yds, 20 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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He goes from Devin Hester and Rashied Davis to Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal! Merry X-mas Mr. Orton! Bump up all projections for Orton as he heads from the rugged NFC North to the cream puff AFC West.
('09 Proj: 3,500 yds, 24 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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The trade to Denver means that Orton will certainly have a better receiving crew (Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and Tony Scheffler) to work with than he did in Chicago. The problem is that he doesn’t have the arm strength to really take advantage of it. If anything, he’ll be marginally better than he has been simply due to increased opportunity.
('09 Proj: 3,200 yds, 21 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) ~Frank Mazzola
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I’ve never been an Orton guy but if he wins the Broncos starting quarterback job, which he should, then I may have a slight change of heart in 2009. Orton threw for just shy of 3,000 yards with 18 touchdowns last season with some pretty subpar Bears receivers which is why my interest in him is on the rise, knowing that the Broncos receivers are much better. I don’t see him as a worthy fantasy starter at this point but he is intriguing. One caveat, if wideout Brandon Marshall misses any length of time then I will continue to not be an Orton guy.
('09 Proj: 310-526, 3720 yds, 23 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) ~Robb Perkins
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Devin Hester and Rashied Davis or Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal? Hmm, that’s a tough one. Kyle Orton has landed in a much better environment in Denver. Their offensive line is notorious for working as a single unit and letting passers flourish. This trade happened early enough to allow Orton to get settled in Denver and acclimate himself to Josh McDaniels’ new system.
('09 Proj: 3,300 yds, 22 touchdowns, 17 interceptions) ~John Kezer
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I don't know. It's not often you'll hear me say that about anything fantasy. If only on pride alone I'll do the research and form some opinion. One thing is for sure though, a few years down the round, this will certainly be an interesting case study about how much the combination of system and supporting cast dictate the value of a fantasy QB won't it!? And it'll be interesting from both sides of the coin. Not just Orton, but Cutler as well. It's almost a 180 degree flip for both of them. Orton goes from having a solid defense, consistent, grinding run support and dog food for receivers to everything but! I also think Rascon brought up a helluva point. Don't think for a minute that it's beyond the realm of possibility that Orton isn't even the opening day starter.
('09 Proj: 300-500, 3,580 yds, 25 touchdowns, 14 interceptions) ~Rick Perkins.