Through the first nine games of the season with Peyton Manning controlling the system in Denver, the Broncos averaged just 86.0 yards rushing per game, which was 29th in the league. They were a pass-first team, an offense under Gary Kubiak that adapted the scheme to cater to Manning's declining skill set. That's smart football from the perspective of the Broncos to put their quarterback in a position to succeed, but the fantasy impact was a kick in the gut for owners of running backs C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman.
These guys were busts: running backs that could barely get in the lineup as Flex plays. And even then, the results were pretty rough. In fact, through those first nine games, Hillman produced a total of just 71 fantasy points (in standard scoring leagues). Anderson? Only 40 total points. Brutal.
However, something has changed in Denver with Manning out of the lineup and Brock Osweiler now running the show.