As far as enviable landing spots for running backs go, standing next to he finished as a top-10 fantasy running back three times. In James’s seven seasons with Peyton, he found the top 10 a remarkable five times. Even Moreno ended up as a top-five fantasy running back last season with Manning under center.

It would be unfair to say that the sole reason these running backs performed so well is because of Peyton Manning. But it would be downright dumb to downplay how much Manning can enhance a runner’s natural ability.

As the 2014 season draws excruciatingly near, according to FantasyFootballCalculator.com. For a player with only 120 career carries to be drafted so high shows a remarkable level of belief in Ball, and more importantly, belief in Peyton Manning’s ability to help his running backs.

Ball finished last season as the fourth-best running back according to numberFire’s Rush According to the Broncos official depth chart, Hillman is the number two running back behind Ball. And while depth charts are always fluid during the preseason, Hillman also leads the team in carries through three preseason games.

Despite the positives surrounding Hillman this offseason, our metrics from last year don’t look very promising. Out of 23 running backs who recorded 40 to 60 carries in 2013, Hillman finished 19th in Rushing NEP.

While Hillman was well below-average on the ground, he was very efficient catching the football given his volume. Out of 22 running backs who caught between 10 and 15 passes last season, Hillman ranked third in Reception NEP. While the sample size is small, it’s a still a positive indicator that Hillman can be effective in the receiving game. Last year’s starter Knowshon Moreno caught 60 passes, showing that receiving ability is crucial for running backs in the Broncos’ offense.

Another Possible Candidate?

Although Hillman is currently going at 13.10 according to Fantasy Football Calculator, while Anderson has no ADP is 12-team, standard scoring leagues.

Our fantasy football rankings here at numberFire agree that Hillman is the superior option to Anderson; Hillman is ranked at RB62 while Anderson comes in at RB82 in 12-team, standard scoring.

While injuries should not be counted upon due to their random nature, if Montee Ball would get hurt, there’s a bundle of fantasy goodness awaiting the next man up in Denver. And it would be wise as a fantasy owner to be ready.