NFL

Fantasy Football: 4 Takeaways From Preseason Week 2

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The Broncos Backfield May Not Be as Crowded as We Thought

The Denver Broncos' backfield looked crowded just a few weeks ago.

C.J. Anderson is good to go after his offseason knee surgery and has been a key part of the offense -- when healthy -- the past few seasons. The Broncos ostensibly signed Jamaal Charles to compete with Anderson and Devontae Booker, the latter of whom led the team in carries in 2016, making the whole situation look like one to avoid.

However, the Broncos have held Charles out of the action so far this preseason, and Booker has been injured. This sudden opening left room for someone to emerge from the backfield.

De'Angelo Henderson wasn't on many radars until last week, but he's quickly become a name to know. The 5'7" back exploded in Week 1 of the preseason, and he impressed again in Week 2.

We definitely want to tread lightly against buying into the hype for players going against second- and third-string defenses, but the absences of Charles and Booker has actually allowed Henderson the chance to see snaps against starters while playing 27 percent of the running back snaps last week.

The fact that he has impressed given his opportunities for two consecutive weeks makes Henderson an exciting player to be aware of in fantasy football this year. Charles could go the way Arian Foster did last year (reports have Charles playing for a roster spot this week), and with Booker unhealthy (and not particularly good last season), Henderson could walk into a meaningful role in short order.