Ronnie Hillman (RB, DEN) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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Owned in 51% of Fleaflicker leagues

ANALYSIS: I didn’t want to cover a Broncos RB in detail last week, but I they really forced my hand this week. Hillman took over the lead back job from the injured Montee Ball, and he made Ball look bad in the process. Hillman rushed 24 times for 100 yards and caught three balls for 16 yards against the Jets. Yes, the same Jets who were considered one of the league’s elite run defense before Branden Oliver made them look like Swiss cheese in Week 5. Maybe Oliver unlocked the secret cheat code to beating the Jets run defense, because (oddly) the Broncos had an easier time running the ball than they did throwing it.

I am still somewhat worried about Hillman, mostly because Juwan Thompson didn’t look bad himself in this game. However, any time you rush for 100 yards, I have to imagine your job is secure for at least another week or two. Ronnie also has the added benefit of ranking in the 87th percentile among running backs for the 40-yard dash, which I’m sure the Broncos are well aware of. However, Hillman does apparently have some ball control issues, and so he could be a fumble away from giving away his job to Juwan.

More than likely, you missed the boat on picking up Hillman by about a week. But if you didn’t, and he's still available in 49% of leagues, he’s worth a look off the Week 7 waiver wire in all leagues at least until Ball comes back. If Hillman plays well enough, the lead job could remain his even when Ball returns. He’s certainly worth taking the risk on within Peyton Manning‘s high-powered offense.