Oakland Raiders Versus The AFC West: Running Backs

June 9, 2015; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) performs drills during mini camp activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos

On quick caveat – much of the success of Denver’s running backs is going to be predicated on the performance of their offensive line. The loss of Orlando Franklin to free agency, of Ryan Clady for the season with an injury – and the subsequent shuffling and re-shuffling of the line – has thrown a lot of doubt onto Denver’s ability to keep Peyton Manning up right and blow open holes for the running backs.

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That being said, if Denver’s line is sound, they do have one of the top backs in the division – C.J. Anderson. On 179 carries last season, Anderson rushed for 849 yards – good for a yards per carry average of 4.7 – and 8 touchdowns on the season. Anderson routinely gashed opposing defenses for big gains, as well as to simply keep the chains moving.

Backing Anderson up is former starter Montee Ball, who isn’t a slouch in his own right. Though his touches have gone down considerably with the emergence of Anderson, Ball remains a valuable backup to have, as in 2013, he too averaged 4.7 yards per carry.

Denver’s running game amassed nearly 1,800 yards last season. But it’s going to take a spirited effort from what will be a patchwork offensive line to match that total.

Next: Number One