Ronnie Hillman Will Be X-Factor For Denver Broncos In Week 10
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos are coming off a rare loss this past weekend against the New England Patriots and will look to get back on track this Sunday against the Oakland Raiders. While this looks to be a great matchup on paper for most players on the Broncos roster, the player who will be the X-factor and likely get the Broncos back on the winning track will be Ronnie Hillman.
Hillman started the season on the bench for Denver, but Montee Ball‘s groin injury opened the door for Hillman to get more playing time, and he certainly hasn’t disappointed. He accounted for over 100 yards from scrimmage in his first three starts of the season, and despite amassing only 63 yards last weekend against the Patriots, he found the end zone twice. Hillman has also looked impressive in limited career action against the Raiders over the past couple of seasons, rushing 35 times for 151 yards and one touchdown.
Ball has started practicing again and could be active for this weekend’s game, but Hillman is still expected to get the bulk of the carries. He also offers some upside to Ball by catching passes out of the backfield, as he caught a season-high seven passes last weekend.
The Raiders have struggled this year against the run, and are currently sporting the 27th-ranked rushing defense in the NFL allowing 132.5 yards per game. They are also tied for third-worst in the league in allowing nine rushing touchdowns, all by running backs.
The Raiders shoddy rush defense, coupled with the fact that the Broncos will likely be leading this game big in the second half and will run the ball to kill the clock, should equate to Ronnie Hillman getting back over 100 yards from scrimmage and leading the Broncos to an easy road victory over the Raiders.
Phillip Jacques is a Pac-12 Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
5 Players Who Could Come Up Big For the Packers
These five little-known players who mostly fly under the radar could come up big for the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. Read More
Austin Pettis is Solid Signing for Chargers
The San Diego Chargers recently signed Austin Pettis to a deal and it is a good move for next season. See exactly why here. Read More
5 Changes Jaguars Need to Make for 2015 Season
The Jacksonville Jaguars are already changing offensive coordinators, but what other changes should the team make for the 2015 NFL season? Read More
Christie Will Join Jones At Lambeau Field
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be with Jerry Jones as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers in the NFL divisional round. Read More
Rex Ryan Likely To Use Marc Trestman As His OC
If Rex Ryan becomes the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, fans can expect to see Marc Trestman back as the offensive coordinator. Read More
5 Areas for Jaguars to Improve Over 2015 Offseason
It's another dreary offseason in sunny Jacksonville. Here are five things the Jacksonville Jaguars must improve to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Read More
Flacco-Harbaugh Just as Good as Brady-Belichick
Looking at the playoff successes for the tandem of Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh, they actually stack up just as well as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. See why that may actually favor the Ravens. Read More
Dallas Cowboys Needs Fast Start in Green Bay
The key to the Dallas Cowboys coming out of Green Bay with a win is getting off to a fast start, and here's why. Read More
5 Changes the Philadelphia Eagles Need to Make
The Philadelphia Eagles need to change some things before the start of next season. Read More
5 Players the Texans Could Use A Franchise Tag On
Here are five players the Houston Texans could use the franchise tag on this offseason. Read More
5 Players Set To Break Out For Seahawks In 2015
The Seattle Seahawks are in the midst of a playoff run, but that does not mean it is too early to look ahead to next season. Here are five players set to break out in 2015. Read More
5 Youngsters Set to Break Out For Ravens in 2015
The Baltimore Ravens had a successful draft last year, and rookies are already establishing themselves as playmakers on this team. Here are five young guys I expect to have a great 2015 season. Read More