Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports
One of the biggest developments in recent years in fantasy football is the multi-back system. It used to be that big name guys like Shaun Alexander and LaDainian Tomlinson were the feature back in an offensive package, with the backup only being used to give a breather.
Now, things are different. It’s incredibly rare to find a one-back system. Adrian Peterson appears to be the last. Even guys like Arian Foster are finding their playing time encroached upon by quality second stringers like Ben Tate.
There is no backfield that is more cluttered with running backs that the Denver Broncos. Last year was one thing, with Willis McGahee taking 167 carries and Knowshon Moreno taking 139, mostly because of the injury McGahee sustained. But right there waiting was Ronnie Hillman with 84 carries and Lance Ball with 42, both of whom had at least one carry in at least 14 games.
This year looks even more indefinite in the backfield. Moreno returns and should hold what is technically the first running back role. But behind him, Hillman and Ball return with the addition of the newly drafted Wisconsin rookie Montee Ball.
All of these four names will split carries in what will be a fantasy nightmare. Add to that mix the bulldozing Jacob Hester, who is bound to take away touchdowns from whichever of the four other running backs happened to contribute to the drive.
As if that wasn’t enough, Peyton Manning has so many toys to play with in the passing game, with Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker being joined by Wes Welker.
All signs point to a very frustrating year if a fantasy owner chooses to delve into the ever-changing world of the Broncos’ backfield.
