We aren't going to see a ton of surprises as it relates to the Denver Broncos this upcoming season. Peyton Manning will put up top-tier fantasy numbers at quarterback, Demaryius Thomas will continue to prove why he is one of the best fantasy options at wide receiver, while Wes Welker will prove valuable in PPR formats.
Their offense is just ridiculously stacked at nearly every level. Where Eric Decker may struggle receiving targets due to the Welker signing, Denver's trio at running back is the real story of training camp.
Common logic seemed to suggest that rookie second-round pick Montee Ball was primed to earn the starting gig. After all, you don't select a running back that early without planning on using him on a consistent basis.
Not so fast.
Apparently second-year running back Ronnie Hillman has impressed a great deal during both offseason activities and the early part of training camp.
At this point, Hillman seems to be the odds-on favorite to win the starting gig in Denver. This is huge news for those of you who have already bought low on him in redraft leagues. It is even bigger news for those of you who take him in the mid rounds of dynasty leagues.
Denver averaged 30 rush attempts per game last season, which is an indication that whoever is the primary ball carrier will have a major fantasy impact this upcoming season.
Despite being one of the best quarterbacks in the modern era, Manning fully understands when/how to utilize his running game. He will audible out of a pass in order to catch opposing defenses off balance. This enables whoever is behind him in the backfield to face less defenders at the line than on a normal running play.
This is where Hillman will be effective in 2013.
It's the idea that defenses have to plan against the pass, which causes issues stopping the run. That puts Denver's running backs in a great situation to succeed.
One major area of importance for a running back in Denver is pass protection. If Hillman does see a bulk of the action, he will have to show he can actually step up and take on a blocker in front of Manning. Thus far this training camp, Hillman has improved a great deal in that area.
For his part, the San Diego State product averaged nearly four yards per attempts and put up 327 yards on the ground in limited playing time as a rookie.
His success at San Diego State, however, indicates that Hillman has the talent to succeed in a lead-back role.
He put up nearly 3,600 total yards and 38 scores in two college seasons with the Aztecs. With that in mind, Hillman isn't a solid PPR option. He recorded only 33 receptions in those two seasons and had 10 catches as a rookie last year.
In terms of fantasy outlook, Hillman projects to be a solid RB3 or FLEX option this season. If he is able to win the starting gig, there is no reason why the young running back can't put up 1,000 rushing yards and seven to eight scores.