Gary Kubiak credited the boost in the run game as the biggest difference-maker for the Broncos in their victory over the Packers. The rushers had struggled to find their footing in the first five games of the season, but Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson combined for 152 yards in Week 6 and and 161 yards on Sunday.

Hillman, who started against Green Bay, rushed for two touchdowns in the first 16 minutes, but Anderson finished with a team-high 101 yards on 14 carries (7.2-yard average), with a career-long 28-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

“Obviously it was C.J.’s best game,” Kubiak said. “I don’t know why that was, motivation or whatever. He should be motivated every week, but we’re going to create a competitive environment between both of them. We’re going to need them both. We’ll continue to split time with them, but obviously C.J. responded this week. Hopefully we can keep it going in that direction.”

Offensive line improves. The Broncos’ improved play on the ground can be credited in large part to the improved play of the offensive line.

For the past two games, with left tackle Ty Sambrailo sidelined and now out for the remainder of the season, the Broncos have used Michael Schofield at right tackle and rotated Ryan Harris (40 snaps) and Tyler Polumbus (27 snaps) at left tackle. On Sunday, they also rotated rookie Max Garcia (16 snaps) in a left guard to spell veteran Evan Mathis.

The Broncos gained 160 net yards on the ground Sunday and quarterback Peyton Manning hasn’t been sacked in the past two games.

“It definitely helps keep you fresh,” Harris said of the O-line rotations. “As a competitor, you want to be in every play. That’s kind of the balance you have to work on and that’s part of being a professional.”