The fantasy talent in the AFC West thins out quickly after San Diego. The Broncos once were a reliable source of an RB1, but their biggest question — again — will be who will emerge as their featured back.

QUARTERBACK: Jay Cutler was on his own as his first full season as an NFL starter, and he put up respectable numbers with 3,497 yards and 20 touchdowns to only 14 interceptions. Expect some improvement this season — not enough to vault him into the upper echelon of fantasy quarterbacks, but enough to be a low-end QB1.

RUNNING BACKS: With Travis Henry and more failed drug tests now history, the Broncos likely are returning to the running back by committee that has frustrated fantasy owners since Terrell Davis retired. But Denver’s RBBCs can yield unusual results: Remember Mike Anderson’s TD surge of a few seasons ago? Selvyn Young is penciled in as the starter, with Michael Pittman, Andre Hall and rookie Ryan Torain backing him up. Keep an eye on the situation over the next month to see if Young keeps hold of the starting position or if a teammate, possibly Torain, passes him by Week 1. Whover emerges as the starter can be considered an RB3, with his primary backup coming in as an RB4 or RB5.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Brandon Marshall exploded for 102 receptions for 1,325 yards and 7 touchdowns last year, numbers he won’t repeat simply because he’ll be suspended for the first three games of the season. That suspension drops him to from a sleeper WR1 to a WR2, but barring another off-the-field incident, he will produce in 2008. Keary Colbert, Brandon Stokley and Darrell Jackson compose the rest of Denver’s WR threats, but none is more than a WR5 or even draftworthy, though don’t be shocked if Jackson rejuvenates his career and delivers WR4 numbers. That’s a big if, however.

TIGHT ENDS: Tony Scheffler put up nice numbers despite missing five games last season, but don’t risk him as a TE1 just yet. Daniel Graham still figures in the mix but at best is a TE3.

KICKER: Jason Elam left for Atlanta, and Matt Prater appears to be taking over for the Broncos. Don’t even think he can replace the departed veteran (especially at Invesco) — Prater is barely a fantasy backup on draft day.