After placing their faith in CJ Anderson to capitalize off a breakout year in 2014, the Denver Broncos opted to release away former second-round draft pick Montee Ball in order to free up roster space. Anderson continued to impress in the preseason and is expected to get a heavy workload of the ground game, but Ronnie Hillman could emerge as a real offensive threat for the Broncos as head coach Gary Kubiak stresses he wants the running back more involved in 2015.
Behind the offensive mind of Kubiak, the ground game is expected to be much more of a focus this season after Adam Gase ran a pass-happy attack. Anderson will be at the center of that plan while Hillman could see a lot of playing time as well. The rise of Hillman is what caused Ball to be released during roster cuts and Kubiak wants the versatile running back on the field more than not.
"I like what I've seen, I'm expecting him to have a great year," Kubiak said, via ESPN.com. "I think he's come into his own, think he's a very dynamic player, got big-play ability. But the thing I like about him is he's proven to me he can stay on the field for all three downs. I like the way he's picked up blitzes in the preseason, I think that's where he's improved the most."
Hillman would be a solid waiver option to pick up in fantasy for Week 1. Anyone with LeSean McCoy as their starter or LeGarrette Blount in the RB1 slot could take a look at Hillman who could see plenty of playing time in that first game. The Broncos have some question marks at the receiver position. Emmanuel Sanders has been dealing with a hamstring injury while Demaryius Thomas is working to get to 100 percent after holding out for a contract. Bot receivers are expected to be active in Week 1, but the run game could play a bigger part.
Fantasy sleepers for Denver include Cody Latimer and Virgil Green. Latimer is expected to be a breakout star for the team following the exit of Wes Welker. Green is taking over the empty spot from Julius Thomas as he will get the starting nod over Owen Daniels. The biggest x-factor is of course Peyton Manning. All eyes will be on the veteran as he ended last season injured and many believed retirement was in the works for the quarterback.
