Ronnie Hillman, Juwan Thompson, C.J. Anderson's Post-Week 7 Fantasy Reaction

Many fantasy football owners wondered which Denver Broncos running back would step up when Montee Ball went down with a groin injury in Week 5. After the Broncos utter demolition of the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7, the answer is clear: Ronnie Hillman is the player of note, which leaves Juwan Thompson and C.J. Anderson in the fantasy football scrap heap.

Player	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	REC	REC YDS
Hillman	14	74	5.3	2	4	29
Thompson	6	30	5.0	0	4	27
Anderson	2	9	4.5	0	0	0

Hillman didn't have much to do on a night where Peyton Manning was playing close to perfection, but he made the most out of his limited touches. The San Diego State product put away two touchdowns in the third quarter in completely different ways, scoring from one and 37 yards out. 

ESPN Denver Radio's Nate Kreckman called it his best run of the season, while also taking a jab at Hillman's running style:

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle noted that the 49ers haven't allowed a run like that this season:

Thompson managed to pick up some of the offensive scraps, racking up 50 yards on eight touches through three quarters. Anderson was nowhere to be seen while the game was still competitive—which wasn't for very long—and finished with two token carries for nine yards.

Joe Mahoney/Associated Press

Hillman has been an improvement upon the injured Ball, and he has a chance at retaining his starting role once the latter returns from his groin ailment. He's quick to the hole and runs hard, despite his thin frame.

As long as Ball is on the sidelines, Hillman is an RB2 with strong upside in this explosive offense. With Manning playing at an all-world level, he should see seven players in the box on most carries. 

Neither Thompson nor Anderson stand much of a chance at picking up fantasy points with the speedy Hillman making defenders look silly every week. Thompson will continue to get a handful of touches, but there are better backs to pick up off the waiver wire. Both players will likely see their snaps plummet when Ball returns; add them at your own risk.