Report: Broncos to start C.J. Anderson at running back vs. Panthers

A productive pair of AFC playoff games has reportedly earned C.J. Anderson the Denver Broncos' lead backfield role on football's biggest stage.

Denver will turn to Anderson as the starting running back over Ronnie Hillman in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, according to Mike Klis of 9News.

Anderson held the starting role for the first six games of the regular season before giving way to Hillman after the Broncos' Week 8 bye.

His workload was relatively sporadic thereafter, but he quite easily topped the yardage totals in each of the playoff games that led to the Broncos' Super Bowl appearance.

Anderson ran 15 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown in the divisional-round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers before running for another 72 yards on 16 carries in the AFC title win over the New England Patriots.

His contributions - and that of Hillman on a rotational basis - will be imperative for the Broncos in taking on a Panthers defense that finished the regular season ranked fourth against the run.