Certainly you know by now, it has been a frustrating and disappointing season for running backs who were selected early in drafts.
Le’Veon Bell and Jamaal Charles are done for the season. Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch are not performing as well as they have in past seasons, and Eddie Lacy has looked like a bust.
Like Lacy, C.J. Anderson was looking like a big bust. Picked in the first or second round of many fantasy drafts, he was expected to build off a breakthrough season and succeed with a lot of volume as the Broncos put more of an emphasis on the running game. But Anderson’s season was filled with mediocrity over the first six games. He did not rush for more than 43 yards in any week and did not score. Ronnie Hillman started to emerge as the better option for fantasy players.
A Week 7 bye, though, gave Anderson some time to rest, and he 
openly admitted he needed the time off, as he told reporters some older physical issues were creeping up on him. Anderson then went out and had his best game of the season last week, rushing for 101 yards and a TD on just 14 carries in a win over the Packers.
Hillman missed a chunk of the second half with a thigh injury, and Anderson seized an opportunity to regain the form that made him emerge as a fantasy RB1 last year.
Hillman’s full outlook for Week 9 is a bit unclear, as he was downgraded to limited in practice on Thursday because of the thigh problem. The Denver Post reported coach Gary Kubiak expects him to play and start against the Colts, but he had also said earlier in the week that he considers both RBs to be top options for him.
This is billed as a Peyton Manning homecoming game, but the Broncos likely will attack a 28th ranked Colts run defense, which has allowed 124.9 rushing yards per game and nine ground TDs. These days, Manning’s arm has him looking more Chad Pennington-like than Peyton-like.
So Denver likely will take advantage of a glaring defensive weakness, and nine weeks after his owners wanted it, Anderson finally may deliver expected returns. Start Anderson with confidence, as even if he shares carries, the matchup looks very attractive after an encouraging outing last time out.
It’s looking likely that T.Y. Hilton will miss the matchup with the Broncos because of a foot injury. It was not a good matchup anyway, and now Donte Moncrief is in danger of being shut down instead and is a very risky start.
Brandon Marshall (ankle, toe) was limited in practices but should be able to play against Jacksonville. If he plays, you start him, simple as that. Ryan Fitzpatrick will start despite a thumb injury on his nonthrowing hand, but his outlook is dicey with that sort of issue.
Buccaneers TE Austin SeferianJenkins (shoulder) was able to practice fully on Friday and may be able to return this week. If he is active, he could be targeted frequently against a vulnerable Giants pass defense.
Sammy Watkins (ankle) did not practice with his teammates Friday, though he says he expects to play. He is not recommended for usage, so consider a healthier alternative.
Redskins WR DeSean Jackson (hamstring) is listed as questionable, but it appears he will be able to finally return against New England. He may get chances to pad his stats in catchup mode, so he is a decent option.
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