RADIO
The Denver Broncos backfield has been in flux for years, and it looks like things are about to shift once again. Although CJ Anderson came into the season as the #1 running back, Ronnie Hillman has clearly been the better back so far this season. If you trust the words of head coach Gary Kubiak, this is the week that Hillman has the opportunity to jump ahead of Anderson on the depth chart and stay there for good.
Hillman has averaged 4.9 yards per carry on 39 rushes this season, although more than 1/3 of his rushing yards came on a 72-yard touchdown run last week against the Minnesota Vikings. Coach Kubiak sung the praises of Hillman on Sirius/XM radio this week. He called Hillman the team's "offensive player of the game" and said that Hillman deserves more touches based on the way he's played.
Peyton Manning has always had a strong role in choosing which running back lines up beside him, and he usually selects the back that offers him the most pass protection. But with Manning's struggles passing the ball down the field this season, it is extremely important for the running game to get going and take some pressure off of Manning.
The Oakland Raiders have been stout against the run this year, especially in the last two weeks, but they will be under a ton of pressure to prove that they are contenders in the AFC West.
