Denver Broncos
CJ Anderson/ Ronnie Hillman/ Juwan Thompson (Running Backs): Anderson suffered what looked like a concussion in the first half of this game. He went through the protocol and concussion tests and was cleared for action. Anderson would finish the game with only 8 carries for 18 yards, and 1 catch for 9 yards. Anderson has struggled as the main back in this offense as the Broncos offensive line has looked horrific running the football. Hillman struggled the same except he averages a 1+ yards to what Anderson currently averages on the ground. Finally Thompson suffered what appeared to be a serious spinal or neck injury during the game. He was operating as the third back in this rotation and looked to be having a decent time finding holes until the injury. Thompson does not have a timetable for a return.
Peyton Manning (Quarterback): Manning had a more successful day operating predominantly in the shotgun. He went 31 of 42 for 324 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception. Manning looked more like his old self operating out of the shotgun and the Broncos benefitted from it. He should be a mid-tier QB1 when they take on the Vikings in week 4.
Demaryius Thomas/Emmanuel Sanders (Wide Receiver): Thomas had the better day of the two wide receivers catching 9/13 targets for 92 yards and a touchdown. Thomas was in top form all game and looked impressive from the start. Sanders had a massive game last week but came down to earth in week 3. He caught 6 out of 9 of his targets for 87 yards.
Owen Daniels (Tight End): Daniels had a surprisingly productive game catching 5 out of his 9 targets for 28 yards and a touchdown. Daniels is not an every week starter and should be ignored in deeper leagues.
Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson (Wide Receiver): Johnson had another quiet day from the field after exploding in week 2. He finished the game catching 8 of his 13 targets for 77 yards. Johnson came with a high price tag for anyone who drafted him so it is seemingly unacceptable for him to haul in such average numbers. Johnson will continue to struggle as Matt Stafford continues to fall apart.
Eric Ebron (Tight End): Ebron has proved to be a playmaker having a solid day. He caught 4 of his 5 targets for 61 yards in week 3. Ebron will be a touchdown dependent TE2 going forward.
Matt Stafford (Quarterback): Stafford has struggled all season and it continued in week 3. Stafford finished the game completing 31 of 45 passes for 282 yards a touchdown, and 2 interceptions. Stafford's unstable play makes the whole Lions offense suffer.
Ameer Abdullah/Joique Bell (Running Backs): Abdullah finished the game with 8 carries and only 23 yards. His day was a complete bust until he caught 2 passes for 19 yards, one of which being for a touchdown. Abdullah is the best running back on this roster however his fumbling issues have allowed Joique Bell to creep back into the conversation of who is starting at running back. Bell finished the game with 10 carries for 6 yards and a touchdown. Bell has seemingly continued to digress but is still getting opportunities as the Lions are fearful to rely only on Abdullah as their main workhorse back. Abdullah still is the Lions best shot at winning games.
