Week 3 at Detroit
Against the Chiefs last Thursday night, Ronnie Hillman led the Broncos with 34 yards on nine carries. C.J. Anderson played on more snaps than Ronnie (42 to 31) and had three more rushing attempts, but Hillman has looked better through two games. Peyton Manning went back to the shotgun for most of the comeback win at Kansas City, which not only improved the passing game, but helped spread things out in the run game. Adrian Peterson plowed through the Lions defense last week, so look for Denver’s ground attack to be have a better showing on Sunday night.
Week 2 vs. Kansas City
Of the two Denver RBs who received playing time last Sunday in the win over the Ravens, Ronnie Hillman performed slightly better. While Hillman and C.J. Anderson both carried the rock a dozen times, Ronnie finished with 41 yards compared to Anderson’s 29. Baltimore didn’t allow much running room all game, but Hillman had the best scamper of 11 yards. Look for a better offensive performance on Thursday night from the Broncos, but Hillman makes no better than a flex play.
Week 1 vs. Baltimore
After an impressive training camp, Ronnie Hillman will start the season as the No. 2 on the RB depth chart for the Broncos. He is a speedster who will give starter C.J. Anderson a rest, as well as be used as the third-down option. While Anderson will likely see most of the carries, HC Gary Kubiak wants to get Hillman the ball too. However, facing a solid run D, you’re better off starting another RB in place of Hillman.
Fantasy Upside
In just his fourth season, Ronnie Hillman has the most experience of the Denver RBs. After being drafted in the third round in 2012, he saw his most productive campaign last season – in only eight games - rushing for 434 yards and three TDs. Ronnie also caught 21 passes and registered another score. The slashy runner totaled career-bests in carries (106), yards, yards per carry (4.1), receptions and touchdowns. He posted two 100-yards games – just 11 days apart in October.
Fantasy Downside
Hillman got off to a slow start last season and was behind Montee Ball on the depth chart until October. By the time Ronnie was able to get things going, a foot injury slowed him, which led to the breakout performances by C.J. Anderson.
Bottom Line
Ronnie has had an excellent preseason so far and has bumped himself up to No. 2 on depth chart, passing Ball. While, at just 5’ 10” and 195 pounds, he's not going to be an every down back in the NFL, his style fits well in Coach Gary Kubiak's system. It looks like he'll see some decent playing time, but Anderson will remain the starter.
Divisional Round – Ronnie Hillman vs. Indianapolis Colts
After missing the previous six games due to a foot injury, Ronnie Hillman played in the regular season finale two weeks ago. He actually had more rushes than C.J. Anderson in the blowout of the Raiders, but will be the Broncos No. 2 RB heading into the postseason. Even if Denver is able to make it back to the Super Bowl, Hillman should only be a reserve starter on your fantasy roster.
Week 17 – Ronnie Hillman vs. Oakland Raiders
Ronnie Hillman has missed the last six games with a foot injury, but should be back on the field on Sunday. Ronnie actually was injured in the last meeting against the Raiders, leaving the game with 22 yards on eight touches. Now that C.J. Anderson is the Broncos No. 1 RB, expect Hillman to be used as more of a change of pace back. He should not be in your starting lineup.
Week 16 – Ronnie Hillman vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Ronnie Hillman has missed the past five games with a foot injury, but may be able to suit up on Monday night at Cincinnati. C.J. Anderson has taken over the team’s No. 1 RB spot, so don’t expect to see Hillman receive much action if he is active. There is no reason to start him.
Week 10 – Ronnie Hillman vs. Oakland Raiders
Even though the Broncos were soundly beaten by the Patriots last Sunday, Ronnie Hillman scored two of the team's three TDs – one rushing and one receiving. He finished with only 16 yards on 10 rushes, but caught seven passes for 47 yards. C.J. Anderson had a little more luck running the ball late in the game, but Denver rushed for only 43 yards on 17 carries. Even with Montee Ball back this week, look for Ronnie to keep the starting RB position and have a good game in Oakland against a defense that is 27th against the run. Hillman should be started in all formats.
Week 9 – Ronnie Hillman vs. New England Patriots
In the win over the Chargers last Thursday, Ronnie Hillman posted his second 100-yard game in three weeks. On 20 carries, he finished with 109 yards, but had two TDs called back due to penalty. Unfortunately for Hillman owners, both of those drives with penalties resulted in short touchdown runs by Juwan Thompson. Ronnie has given the Broncos running game some spark with Montee Ball out with a sore groin. The Patriots allow 130 yards per game on the ground and Hillman deserves to be started with how he’s performed in Ball’s absence.
Week 8 – Ronnie Hillman vs. San Diego Chargers
With Peyton Manning taking care of things through the air last Sunday night, Ronnie Hillman busted loose for two rushing TDs against San Fran. On the night, Ronnie ran for 74 yards on 14 carries, with half of his yardage coming on a 37-yard score. He also caught four passes for 29 yards. Since taking over for the injured Montee Ball, Hillman has been impressive the past two weeks, totaling 219 yards. San Diego is 13th against the run, making the Denver back an RB2 play on Thursday night.
