Ronnie Hillman's Absence Will Allow C.J. Anderson to Continue to Shine

Injuries in the NFL create opportunity and unexpected fantasy studs.

Because of an injury-mangled Denver Broncos offensive backfield, C.J. Anderson will get an opportunity to build on his success from Week 12. Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball are out, per Igor Mello of CBSSports.com, and that means Anderson should again see the bulk of the work on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins, Anderson helped push the Broncos to a 39-36 win. He ran for a career-high 167 yards and a touchdown. Anderson also caught four passes for 28 yards. He was a surprise standout that likely snuck up on fantasy owners last week, but his production shouldn't come as a big surprise this week.

Denver is likely going to be without star tight end Julius Thomas, per Marty Gitlin of CBSSports.com. He is still nursing an ankle injury that he suffered in a Week 11 loss to the St. Louis Rams. Without Thomas in the lineup last week against the Dolphins, the Broncos leaned heavily on Anderson's versatility.

At 5'8" and 224 pounds, Anderson is a little smaller than most teams would consider to be ideal at his position. However, he seems to use his height to his advantage. He's been great at hiding behind his offensive linemen and making sharp cuts.

Anderson may be primed to slice and dice Kansas City's run defense. Then again, that wouldn't make him any different than most of the backs the Chiefs have faced this season.

Kansas City is ranked 25th in rushing yards allowed this season, and the arrow is pointing down in this category. The team has given up at least 100 yards on the ground in four straight games. In Week 12, the woeful Oakland Raiders ran for 179 yards en route to their upset win over the Chiefs.

With Kansas City's front seven not getting it done up front, this is an inopportune time to be facing a hot running back. To make matters worse, defensive tackle and former Bronco Kevin Vickerson is questionable with an injured calf, per NFL.com.

If you start Anderson on your fantasy team, chances are he will not disappoint.