The Denver Broncos have Ronnie Hillman as the better fantasy start option over CJ Anderson for Week 9, as the running back has been more consistent for Peyton Manning on offense in recent weeks. Vernon Davis comes in after his trade from the 49ers and could be a sleeper pick this week, while Emmanuel Sanders was upgraded in practice and should be healthy for Sunday.
The Broncos come in after a statement win against the Green Bay Packers and the team remains undefeated as they get set to take on the Indianapolis Colts. Hillman is coming into the weekend banged up, but head coach Gary Kubiak said that he will get the start for the second straight week. Hillman is dealing with a thigh injury that he suffered against the Packers, but Kubiak did not sound like it was serious enough to keep Hillman out.
Hillman has been rushing the ball more consistently than CJ Anderson and he has been getting the bulk of the carries on offense lately. Hillman was limited in practice on Thursday, but he is still in line to play against the Colts and is a solid fantasy starter option. Jeff Legwold at ESPN reports that Hillman will get the start on Sunday, but Anderson and Hillman will split carries against the Colts. Last week the two combined to rush for 160 yards and that was one of the best performances overall by the rushing attack this season for the Broncos.
Kubiak said that Hillman "absolutely" will start the game on Sunday, but that both players will "get their touches" against the Colts. Anderson outrushed Hillman last week with 101 yards, but Hillman had more carries (19-14) and also had two touchdowns in the game, making him a better fantasy option for owners. The Denver rushing game has been playing better in recent weeks, as Hillman had 103 yards and 111 yards against the Vikings and Browns over the past few weeks.
Vernon Davis is coming in after his trade from the 49ers and he is worth a look for fantasy owners after a disappointing time in San Francisco. Davis has the physical skills to be a top tight end, but he has not been able to put it together over the past couple seasons and now a change of scenery could make the difference. Davis has just 18 catches in six games this season, but Manning loves to use his tight ends and the Broncos have been lacking a bit at the position with Owen Daniels stepping in for Julius Thomas.
Emmanuel Sanders is coming into the weekend with a shoulder injury, but he is on track to play for the Broncos. Sanders was upgraded to a full participant in practice on Thursday and he is a solid start option for fantasy owners against a beat up Colts defense. The Broncos pushed hard at the trade deadline to try and get a deal done for Joe Thomas with the Cleveland Browns, but the two sides could not agree on compensation.
