Let’s get right to the fantasy implications of Monday’s rare NFL trade. If you haven’t heard by now, the Broncos have traded Brandon Lloyd to the Rams for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2012 draft:
UPGRADE BRANDON LLOYD
He goes from a run-first offense manned by Tim Tebow to a pass-first offense under the controls of the highly-accurate Sam Bradford. Lloyd broke out last year under Josh McDaniels, who is now the Rams’ offensive coordinator. Lloyd already knows the system and will make an instant impact.
UPGRADE ERIC DECKER
Eric Decker is the new No. 1 receiver in Denver. Look for a major bump in targets going forward as he works both the slot and wideout positions.
SLIGHTLY DOWNGRADE TIM TEBOW
Brandon Lloyd makes great catches down the field, and Tebow will certainly miss that. But Tebow is a fantasy beast because of his legs, not his arm. It’s not the end of the world.
UPGRADE SAM BRADFORD
Despite an ankle injury, Bradford is on the rise. He now has a legit No. 1 receiver and can actually get the ball down the field.
OTHER THOUGHTS
Danario Alexander deserves to start opposite Lloyd, but he’ll have to unseat Brandon Gibson first. Hold. … Eddie Royal and Demaryius Thomas figure to battle for the Broncos’ No. 2 wideout spot. I don’t have high hopes for either. … Greg Salas’ slot role should not be affected. … Mark Clayton is going to need some time once he gets healthy before he can make an impact here.
