How C.J. Anderson became the Broncos' RB1

Broncos beat writer Jeff Legwold describes how C.J. Anderson took over the RB1 job:

There are times in an NFL life when availability tips the scales. When the injuries mowed through the depth chart at running back, Anderson was available. Montee Ball missed eight games and most of another with a right groin injury, while Ronnie Hillman missed four games with a left foot injury. And with that Anderson became the guy. As a runner, the Broncos have always liked his potential, but he arrived to offseason workouts and minicamp too heavy, looked sluggish and at the time looked to be a guy who would not make the 53-man roster. But when training camp rolled around, he arrived lighter and quicker. In this offense, pass protection determines how often you get to carry the ball. Peyton Manning trusts Anderson's work there, and he has shown reliable hands as a receiver. As a runner he has good lower-body power and he runs heavy, with leverage, so he usually runs through the first tackle. He's also shown the good mix of patience with his blockers and decisiveness once he sees the crease. The Broncos believed he could contribute before, but Anderson wrestled the job away from the others. If he maintains his current work ethic and results, he's their No. 1 guy.

Anderson may continue to be the team's starter for the 2015 season and beyond, so in addition to being a redraft RB1, he holds significant keeper and dynasty league value.