The Denver Broncos are coming into their Week 16 game against the Bengals with a lot on the line, as a top spot in the AFC could be hanging in the balance. Fantasy football owners also have a lot on the line, as this marks championship time in the playoffs and players like Emmanuel Sanders, Demaryius Thomas, Ronnie Hillman, CJ Anderson and Vernon Davis are the best start options for Brock Osweiler on MNF.
The Broncos are in an interesting position in the AFC, as they potentially could end up with the top seed or end up out of the playoffs altogether depending on how things go over the final two games. The Chiefs have clinched a playoff spot and they have the chance to win the division if the Broncos slip up against the Bengals and Chargers. The Broncos have a head-to-head win with the Patriots, so if the teams end up tied, Denver would get the top seed.
But if Denver suffers a loss and lets the Chiefs slip by the AFC West, the Steelers can get into position to get a wild card, as they beat the Broncos in their head to head matchup. All of that adds some major importance to the game on Monday, as the Bengals have already clinched the AFC North division. For fantasy owners in the playoffs this game could have some major impact on the championship and for the Broncos, team owners are hoping for a high-scoring game.
Emmanuel Sanders is coming in after a huge game for Denver, as he had 10 catches for 181 yards and a touchdown in the loss against the Steelers. Sanders has been up and down this season with the quarterback issues for the Broncos and while he won't get to the numbers he put up last year, he is worth starting for Week 16 for fantasy owners.
Demaryius Thomas has also put up solid numbers this season and while he won't reach what he did last year either, he remains an elite fantasy option. Thomas comes in after putting up five catches for 61 yards and two scores last week and he should be a top target for Osweiler on Monday night. Thomas has 93 catches for 1128 yards this season with five scores and while the Bengals have a great secondary, the team is a bit banged up coming into this game. Osweiler himself is banged up, but he is expected to play for the Broncos after dealing with a shoulder injury.
For the Broncos running backs, Ronnie Hillman might be a better option for owners over CJ Anderson for Week 16. Anderson is expected to play despite dealing with ankle and back injuries, but he could be limited, giving Hillman the chance to carry the load. Hillman did not have a great game last week, but he has had double digit carries of the Broncos in every game since Week 10 and that gives him the potential to get some touches on Monday.