RB Stud: Ronnie Hillman headlines several hot commodities at the running back position
If you haven’t grabbed CJ Anderson’s handcuff yet, Hillman offers good reason for investment. His 20 carries for 111 yards last week were his second hundred yard game in 3 weeks. Granted, it came against a porous Brown’s defense that ranks last in the league in rushing yards per game allowed. Nonetheless, Hillman has gone from clear backup, to splitting carries, to earning more work than fellow tailback and fantasy bust CJ Anderson.
Anderson was hyped to be the primary bell cow back in Denver’s offense before the season started, but has disappointed thus far. He hasn’t carried the ball more than 13 times, and remains without a touchdown. So, if you drafted Hillman late and stashed him on your bench, kudos to you. If not, get on the waiver wire and add Hillman to your roster.
The Broncos are off next week, and face a difficult test hosting Green Bay in week 8. However, we must look at the big picture here. If your team needs help at the running back position, stash Hillman on the bench during his bye, and then give him a look as a FLEX option going forward.
RB Dud: Carlos Hyde has disappointed since a huge opening night
Hyde ran 21 times for just 55 yards against a mediocre Baltimore defense on Sunday. After his monstrous 168 yard performance in week 1, Hyde has had only one productive game since, in week 5 at the Giants.
He has been bothered by a foot injury, which could be limiting his ability. Considering the 49ers are finding themselves down often against opponents, the run has been abandoned at times. With a short week against a tough opponent in Seattle, followed by two stout run defenses in St. Louis and Atlanta, tough days could be ahead for Hyde. His talent is promising enough to still warrant starts, but demoting him to the flex isn’t a bad idea, especially if you have depth at running back.
Honorable mentions: James Starks, who has impressed given Eddy Lacy’s injury and effectiveness issues, and Thomas Rawls, who remains a great handcuff to Marshawn Lynch should his hamstring hamper him again this season.
