The Denver Broncos are preparing for a big matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs that could have postseason implications. While Peyton Manning and tight end Julius Thomas have been limited all week in practice, running back Knowshon Moreno had been a no-show. However, the running back returned on Wednesday in a limited fashion, making Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman the better fantasy options.
Moreno had a breakout game against the New England Patriots. However, he expected the locker rooms on crutches with what had been diagnosed with a lower leg injury. The Broncos later said it was an ankle sprain but was not serious in nature. The Denver Post reports that Moreno was given a very light workload in practice on Wednesday and was not expected to get as many carries as he did in Week 12.
In his place, Montee Ball will get the heavier work load and Ronnie Hillman will back him up. Moreno has not been ruled out for the matchup, but fantasy experts are not expecting him to be a big factor in the game.
"Whoever is up is going to play," Del Rio said, via the Denver Post. "We'll have our guys ready to play. Anybody that is up and active, we expect them to be able to play a role for us."
The issue is the depth behind Moreno. Both Ball and Hillman have struggled with turnovers this year, making it possible that the Broncos try and get him back sooner rather than later. Ball has two fumbles off 75 carries. Hillman has two fumbles on 40 carries. With the ankle injury to Moreno, he will likely be active on Sunday.
Ball is going to be the better option this week based off his health and his previous success against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the last matchup between the two teams, he and Moreno combined for 104 yards while the rookie had two touchdowns in the game. He has faired well as a rotational guy, putting up 262 yards total this season. He also has 60 yards passing off eight catches.
Manning has been impressed by what he has seen in the rookie. He praised Ball for picking up the offensive system quickly while also developing into a strong pass blocker. He might be only averaging 3.5 yards per carry on the ground, but he is averaging 7.5 yards per catch. Ball is not an RB1 option, but a solid No. 2 guy. Expect Moreno to be active for the game considering what is on the line, but Ball will get the increased work load.
