Broncos vs. Chiefs start/sit advice: Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Jamaal Charles

The Denver Broncos are 8-3, but are only a game clear of two of their division opponents, as the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers are both 7-4 and breathing down the Broncos' necks. Denver will look to get some separation Sunday night as they try to finish a season sweep of the Chiefs.

The Broncos will again be without running backs Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman Sunday, while tight end Julius Thomas appears on track to play, though he's not likely to be full strength. The Chiefs, meanwhile, have no fantasy-relevant injuries, entering Sunday's game largely healthy.

Start 'em: Of course, you're starting Peyton Manning but thanks for clicking on my story to confirm. ... C.J. Anderson has seized the Denver top RB job, and he might keep it even when the other guys are back and healthy. ... Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders might be the league's best one-two combination of receivers; they've both had double-digit fantasy performances in six straight games, and nine times each overall. ... Assuming Julius Thomas goes, he needs to be in all lineups. He only needs a couple of catches to be fantasy helpful.

Start 'em?: The Broncos added kicker Connor Barth over the week, dumping Brandon McManus. You're always wary of a guy in his first game, but kicking for a strong offense, Barth could be helpful.

Sit 'em: For now, all Juwan Thompson is is a change-of-pace guy for Anderson, and definitely not a fantasy option. ... Yeah, Wes Welker scored in Week 12, but he's still off the fantasy radar. ... The Broncos' defense is better in real football than it is in fantasy. Tread lightly.

Start 'em: Since his injury, Jamaal Charles is averaging 18.8 fantasy points a game. That's crazy good. ... Few good players have been as frustrating as Travis Kelce has been in fantasy, but as rough as the position is, he's still a fantasy starter.

Start 'em?: You'd like more upside than Cairo Santos offers as a kicker, but he has at least five fantasy points in eight straight games and nine of 10.

Sit 'em: If you're digging deep, Alex Smith is mildly interesting, sure -- you always like a quarterback facing Denver -- but ultimately it's hard to imagine trusting him outside of a two-quarterback league. ... Knile Davis stumbles into the occasional touchdown behind Charles, but it's nowhere near consistent enough to consider him a fantasy option. ... The Chiefs' defense hasn't been very good and now faces Denver. Nope.

Start in every league: Peyton Manning, C.J. Anderson, Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Julius Thomas, Jamaal Charles, Travis Kelce

Start if you're desperate: Connor Barth, Cairo Santos

Bench: Juwan Thompson, Wes Welker, Denver defense, Alex Smith, Knile Davis, Kansas City defense