Week 14 vs. New York Jets
Even though the Broncos were again behind for much of the game versus Miami last week, C.J. Anderson had his best outing since Week 4. He carried the ball 15 times for 67 yards and caught 4 passes for 43 yards. The 110 total yards were his highest since he combined for 112 yards in Week 4 versus the Raiders, the last time Denver won. The 15 rushing attempts were Anderson's most since Week 8 versus the Chiefs, where he also carried the ball 15 times. If he remains Denver's No. 1 RB, he is a FLEX play this week in a good matchup against a Jets team allowing 120 rushing yards per game.
Week 13 at Miami Dolphins
Last week in the loss at Oakland last Sunday, C.J. Anderson carried the ball just 5 times for 12 yards. The Broncos only ran for 59 yards and were once again behind early, so it’s uncertain if Anderson would’ve received more touches had the game been closer or if Devontae Booker will be the featured ball-carrier now that the team’s season is pretty much over. Miami is No. 24 against the run, but Anderson just isn’t seeing enough action for him to be anything more than a FLEX option at best.
Week 12 at Oakland Raiders
In the loss to the Bengals last Sunday, C.J. Anderson ran for 37 yards on 13 carries and scored his third TD of the season—his first since Week 2. He also caught 2 passes for 19 yards. Devontae Booker finished with more carries (14) and rushing yards (44) than Anderson and was also more productive in the passing game. Since his return in October, Booker has become a bigger part of the offense, a trend that likely will continue as the Broncos' season has fallen apart. In the win over Oakland in Week 4, Anderson carried the ball 20 times for 95 yards, but is a risky fantasy start with the recent offensive coaching and QB changes.
Week 11 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Once again the Broncos found themselves behind early to an opponent and had to abandon much of the ground game. In the loss to New England last Sunday night, C.J. Anderson was held to 54 yards on 10 rushing attempts. He has not scored since Week 2, which was also the only time he’s eclipsed 100 yards this season. Anderson is averaging only 41 rushing yards per game over the past five games, but will be facing a Cincinnati defense that gives up over 120 yards on the ground. With the Broncos’ offensive struggles, Anderson makes for an RB3/flex play.
Week 10 vs. New England Patriots
C.J. Anderson suffered an ankle injury in the loss to the Eagles last week, but was able to play until the third quarter. Before departing, he ran for just 13 yards on 9 carries and, as the Broncos find themselves behind early lately, his playing time has dwindled. He should be fine to go on Sunday night versus the Patriots, but Anderson is averaging only 44 total yards per game over the past four contests. New England is near the bottom in run defense, but with inconsistent QB play and early deficits, Anderson should be considered nothing more than a flex play.
Week 9 at Philadelphia Eagles
At Kansas City on Monday night, C.J. Anderson ran for 78 yards on 15 carries and caught a 7-yard pass. Unfortunately for Anderson owners, it was Devontae Booker who scored the team’s rushing TD. The Broncos will have a new QB in Brock Osweiler at Philadelphia on Sunday, which may mean more of a reliance on the ground game. Anderson remains an RB2 play, even facing a stout Eagles run D.
Week 8 at Kansas City Chiefs
As it turned out, none of the Broncos were worth starting last week in an embarrassing loss to the Chargers. C.J. Anderson led the ground attack with 44 yards on 10 carries and had a 17-yard reception. In the past two weeks, Anderson has just 19 rushes for 61 yards, as the team has totaled only 10 points. Kansas City allows 125 yards per game on the ground, so he should be used as an RB2 option.
Week 7 at Los Angeles Chargers
Once the Broncos fell behind the Giants last Sunday night, the ground game was nearly disbanded. In the loss, C.J. Anderson was held to only 17 rushing yards on 9 attempts, by far his worst outing of the season. His 9 carries were the second-fewest to the 8 he had in Buffalo Week 3. In the opening week of the season, Anderson ran for 81 yards versus the Chargers and should have a bounce back performance on Sunday. Go ahead and keep him in your lineup.
Week 6 vs. New York Giants
Heading into the bye week, C.J. Anderson ran through the Raiders defense for 95 yards on 20 rushes. He also caught 4 passes for 17 yards in the win. Through the first month of the season, Anderson has carried the ball at least 20 times in three of his four games and been over 80 rushing yards each time he has done so. Even with a healthy Jamaal Charles and now Devontae Booker, Anderson will continue to receive the bulk of the carries. Go ahead and insert him back into your lineup after the bye week, as the Giants are yielding nearly 140 yards per game on the ground.
Week 4 vs. Oakland Raiders
In the loss to the Bills last Sunday, C.J. Anderson carried the ball just 8 times for 36 yards and caught 2 passes for 7 more yards. The 4.5 yards-per-carry average appears to be decent; however, 32 of his yards came on one play. For the first time this season, Jamaal Charles had more rushing attempts (9) than Anderson, and it was Charles who scored the team’s lone touchdown. Back at home facing a Raiders team that had all kinds of problems against Washington last Sunday night, Anderson should have a much better game. Go ahead and keep him in your lineup.
