Knowshon Moreno's Updated 2013 Fantasy Outlook After Week 2

After two weeks of NFL action, Knowshon Moreno is emerging from a crowded Denver Broncos backfield as the main back. This gives the 26-year-old legitimate fantasy value. 

Moreno was a key cog in the Broncos (2-0) 41-23 win over the New York Giants (0-2). The fifth-year back rushed for 93 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. He's also added three catches for 14 yards.

Meanwhile, rookie Montee Ball picked up 12 carries that picked up just 16 yards. 

In the season-opener against the Baltimore Ravens, Moreno led all of Denver's backs in carries. However, that only led him to nine carries, which was just one better than Ball. On his nine carries, Moreno picked up 28 yards. 

That was nothing for fantasy owners to get excited about. However, his Week 2 performance will have those same owners sprinting to the waiver wire, and I will be one of them.  

Denver's high-powered offense will create plenty of opportunities for its backs. While it is the passing game that will lead to the nervous breakdowns of opposing defensive coordinators, the Broncos are going to spend a lot of this season playing with the lead, and that will find the Broncos leaning on the running game as much as possible.   

Also, Denver is not shy about using backs in the passing game, and this is another area where Moreno will ensure himself playing time, as he has solid hands out of the backfield. In Week 1, Moreno had three catches for 37 yards. 

Also, he is dependable in pass protection. This block isn't levied while protecting the quarterback, but it does give you a feel for Moreno's acumen and willingness to put his pads on someone. 

Denver's backfield should be considered a fluid situation. One key fumble or gaffe from Moreno, and he could be watching Ball or Ronnie Hillman steal some of his touches. After all, since being selected 12th overall in the 2009 draft, Moreno has been a continual source of frustration for fantasy owners. 

However, with the Broncos facing off against the Oakland Raiders and their underwhelming defensive line next week combined with Moreno owning all the momentum in this backfield, consider Moreno a strong flex option for next week and a decent second running back if desperate.