Ronnie Hillman, Juwan Thompson's Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 6

The groin injury to Montee Ball has left the starting running back job wide open for the Denver Broncos, but Ronnie Hillman earned the heavier workload over Juwan Thompson in Week 6 against the New York Jets.

It’s hard to judge the Denver rushing attack during a matchup with a defense as tough as New York’s. The Jets are ranked sixth in the league allowing just 83 yards per game, but the Broncos had surpassed 100 yards in the third quarter. 

Denver finished the day with 138 yards rushing as a team.

Player	Carries	Yards	Average	Touchdowns
Ronnie Hillman	24	100	4.2	0
Juwan Thompson	8	38	4.8	0

After a slow start to the game, the fast-paced Denver offensive unit began wearing down New York, opening the holes both Broncos running backs needed. While it was clear the team was feeding Hillman the ball more, Thompson was not wasting his opportunities.

Hillman ran the ball 24 times for 100 yards and Thompson had 38 yards on eight carries. Neither man scored a touchdown, though.

"

Ronnie Hillman has 52 yards in the first half, already good for his fourth-most rushing yards in a single game for his career

— Ben Swanson (@BenverBroncos) October 12, 2014"

For fantasy owners, the success of Hillman is welcomed. Ball had struggled at times running behind Denver’s offensive line, but the backup found success on Sunday. As long as Ball is sidelined with a groin injury, Hillman is worth a start as a RB2 or flex.

On the other hand, Thompson will be a touchdown-dependent option only in the deepest leagues.

*Stats via NFL.com.