Odds Say Tight Race for Denver Broncos Starting RB Job

Last season, the Denver Broncos ranked 27th in rushing at 92.8 yards per game.

C.J. Anderson, who started the season as the No. 1 back, struggled to stay healthy. He played in just seven games, rushing for 437 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged an unimpressive 4.0 yards per carry.

Devontae Booker, a 2016 fourth-round draft pick, had double-digit carries in seven games, but failed to top 100 yards in any game. He averaged 3.5 yards per carry on 174 attempts.

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In the off-season, Denver brought in longtime rival back Jamaal Charles, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Charles, 30, has scored 43 touchdowns in his illustrious career. But he too has struggled to stay on the field, appearing in only eight games the last two years.

With so many question marks, it's no surprise the race for the starting gig is wide open.

According to BookMaker.eu, Anderson is the favorite to open Week 1 as the Broncos' starting running back. He's -130, which means you'd need to bet $130 to win $100.

Charles is +150, or 3/2, to be named the starting back. With a $100 bet, you could win $150.

Booker is the longshot +300, or 3/1.

Denver also just drafted Coastal Carolina's De'Angelo Henderson. The sixth-round pick holds the NCAA record for rushing touchdowns in consecutive games at 35 and could offer the most upside in Denver. He's +1200, or 12/1, to start Week 1.

New Broncos coach Vance Joseph said a timeshare could be in store no matter who's the "starter."

"The running back position, you need two or three guys who can carry the load. It's no longer a one-guy position," Joseph told the Associated Press. "So, I'm excited to have Jamaal, C.J., Book, even De'Angelo in the mix there. It's a good group. It's going to be competitive and that's the way it should be."

From BookMaker.eu: Denver Broncos starting running back Week 1 of 2017 NFL regular season:

• C.J. Anderson: -130
• Jamaal Charles: +150
• Devontae Booker: +300
• De'Angelo Henderson: +1200