The Denver Broncos run game is crowded, but absolutely clutch for the Denver Broncos. As quarterback Peyton Manning eagerly searches for balance on the team, a three-back rotation appears to be getting the job done. Against the Oakland Raiders, the Broncos averaged 4.7 yards per carry, eating up the opposing defense. While Knowshon Moreno might be considered the starter, Ronnie Hillman was the star of Monday Night Football, but may still not be the key in fantasy football.
Hillman, Moreno and Montee Ball combined for 166 yards on 32 carries. The rookie scored his first touchdown on a 19-yard run while leading the pack for the night. On a night where Peyton Manning once again demonstrated why he is the best quarterback in the league, it was the run game that took part of the spotlight.
"I was joking with Peyton (Manning), I was like, 'I can't believe you let one of the running backs get a touchdown,'" wide receiver Wes Welker said, via the team website. "But it was good to see and those guys did a great job running the ball. We're going to expect big things out of them down the road."
Hillman might be developing into a breakout star, but fantasy owners should not jump on his bandwagon just yet. The rookie was impressive, putting up 66 yards on just nine carries along with one catch for 12 yards, but in the bigger picture he just is not worth a pickup.
Moreno remains the best option. Through three weeks, the running back leads position players for Denver. He has 217 yards and two touchdowns on 41 touches. Ball has 126 yards on 33 carries, while Eric Decker has 252 yards on 19 catches. With a slew of players for Manning to distribute the ball to, do not get fooled by Hillman's one-game jump to stardom.
"Any time you can have the running game going, I know that opens up some things in the passing game and hopefully keeps the defense off balance," Manning said. "I thought all the backs made some good runs tonight. Really some good runs by Ronnie Hillman. Good job on him on that one drive. Two really good runs and then finishing with a touchdown was important."
Manning might have nothing but praise for Hillman, but when given a choice, the quarterback will pass before handing the ball to the rookie. If a game enters a shootout, Manning would rather toss the deep ball than hand off for a few yards.