Week 7 – Ronnie Hillman vs. San Francisco 49ers
With Montee Ball out with a sore hamstring, Ronnie Hillman took advantage and took control of the Denver running game. While the Jets were more focused on trying to slow down the Broncos passing game, Hillman ran for 100 yards on 24 carries and also had 16 receiving yards. Hanging on to the ball has been a problem for Ronnie and he fumbled once after a long run, but Denver maintained possession. Backup Juwan Thompson had the other eight RB rushes, so Hillman owners had to be pleased with his action and performance. San Fran is yielding only 80 yards per game on the ground, making No. 23 no more than a RB2 play on Sunday, however.
Week 6 – Ronnie Hillman vs. New York Jets
After Montee Ball left last week’s game against Arizona with a groin injury, Ronnie Hillman came in and lit a spark into a rushing attack that was non-existent for much of the contest. While Ball finished with just seven yards on six carries, Hillman exploded for 64 yards on 15 rushes. Ball will miss at least a couple of weeks, meaning it’ll be Ronnie’s time to shine. After having trouble hanging on the football last season, he now gets a chance, but will be facing a Jets defense that allows just 83 rushing yards per game. Hillman is a flex play this week.
Week 5 – Ronnie Hillman vs. Arizona Cardinals
Ronnie Hillman actually received some playing time in the game at Seattle two weeks ago. He had two carries for two yards and caught a seven yard pass. Coach John Fox said he has a lot of confidence in Ronnie, but that has yet to be translated to playing time this season. Hillman should start seeing a bit more action beginning this week, especially with Montee Ball not off to a great start, but there’s no reason for him to be on your fantasy roster at this point.
Week 3 – Ronnie Hillman vs. Seattle Seahawks
Two games into the season and Ronnie Hillman has yet to see the field, as C.J. Anderson has been used to back up Montee Ball. There is no reason for Hillman to be on your fantasy roster right now.
Week 2 – Ronnie Hillman vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Due to illness and not having enough time to prepare for last week’s game plan, Ronnie Hillman was inactive in the opener. The Broncos ran for 102 yards versus the Colts, with Montee Ball getting almost all of the carries. Hillman is a good change of pace back for Denver and will be used to spell Ball and on third downs. However, there’s no reason for him to be started in Week 2.
Week 1 – Ronnie Hillman vs. Indianapolis Colts
Ronnie Hillman missed the team’s trip to Dallas for the final preseason game as he has been battling an illness. Even though he’s still recovering, Ronnie will be on the field on Sunday night, but may lose some of his second string touches to C.J. Anderson. Hillman had four carries for 25 yards in the loss at Indianapolis last season and is not a good play this week.
Fantasy Upside
In his second NFL season, the speedy RB averaged four yards per carry, running for 218 yards in ’13. He has good hands, despite registering only 22 total career receptions. When Ronnie Hillman had a chance to play, he performed well in the two games versus the Raiders, carrying the rock 21 times for 96 yards and his lone TD of the season. Unfortunately, he was pretty silent during the other contests he actually got to play in. During camp this year he has been one of the most improved players and is showing that big-play potential he had at San Diego State and that the Broncos were expecting to see. Heading in to the season, he’s locked in behind Montee Ball as Denver’s No. 2 RB.
Fantasy Downside
Hillman had trouble hanging on to the ball last season and got in John Fox’s doghouse early. He didn’t play in six games as a result. Ball will be the starter and could very well be a three-down back, but Ronnie should get at least 5-10 touches per game. Hillman is only 5’10” and 195 pounds, so he’s just not big enough to be an every down RB in the NFL. Of his 55 carries last season, only five went for 10-plus yards.
Bottom Line
Ball has taken over the top RB spot and could be an every down back, meaning Ronnie will probably become mainly the change of pace or third-down back, again limiting his fantasy value. While he recently said the Broncos fans have not seen his full potential, his window of opportunity to be the No. 1 RB has likely vanished. There should be plenty in the tank for Ronnie, however, as he’s had just 140 rushing attempts in his first two pro seasons. Hillman also may be called upon to return kickoffs, but there’s not really much reason to have him on your roster when the season begins, other than as a handcuff to Ball.
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