The Denver Broncos made a key move by signing running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year, $5.25 million contract on Tuesday. While this is a positive development for the Broncos’ offense, it adds complexity for Fantasy football managers.
With the addition of Dobbins, the focus shifts to who will be the best fantasy option in Denver—Dobbins or rookie R.J. Harvey.
J.K. Dobbins: A Proven Performer
J.K. Dobbins is coming off a strong 2024 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he racked up a career-best 1,058 total yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. He rushed for 905 yards at an impressive 4.6 yards per carry and also contributed with 32 receptions on 38 targets.
Dobbins averaged 14.8 PPR points per game and scored at least 15.3 PPR points in seven games. However, he has struggled with injuries throughout his career, including a torn Achilles in 2023 and multiple knee issues since 2021.
With the Broncos, Dobbins has the potential to be the team’s No. 1 running back. However, the arrival of rookie R.J. Harvey could pose a challenge for Dobbins’ role.
R.J. Harvey: A Rookie to Watch
The Broncos selected R.J. Harvey in the second round of the NFL Draft, hoping to add fresh talent to their backfield. Harvey has impressed during the offseason workouts, showing great promise.
According to Denver’s left tackle, Garett Bolles, Harvey has “caught onto the playbook” quickly and has the speed that the team needs.
During his college career at Central Florida, Harvey totaled 2,993 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns on 458 carries over the last two seasons. He also added 39 catches for 505 yards and four touchdowns.
His speed, shown by a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and his ability to contribute in the passing game have made him an exciting prospect for the Broncos.
Fantasy Outlook: Dobbins vs. Harvey
Before Dobbins signed with Denver, Harvey was expected to be the Broncos’ top running back, and he was even considered a potential Round 4 pick in Fantasy drafts. However, with Dobbins now in the picture, Harvey’s draft position will likely drop to Round 6 in most leagues.
Harvey could still end up being the primary back for Denver, particularly in the passing game, which could lead to more targets and receptions.
He might also improve upon the rushing production seen last season from Javonte Williams, who left for Dallas. Williams led the Broncos’ backfield in 2024 with 139 carries for 513 yards and four touchdowns, in addition to 52 catches for 346 yards.
However, with Dobbins joining the team, both players are expected to split rushing duties. Dobbins could take on the more traditional rushing role, while Harvey might dominate the passing game.
The addition of Dobbins also reduces the relevance of players like Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, who had minimal contributions last season.
What This Means for Fantasy Managers
For now, Dobbins is likely worth drafting in the 10th round or later, but his value could rise as the preseason progresses and the team provides more clarity on the backfield’s workload distribution. Harvey’s value has decreased, but he could still be a productive Fantasy option, especially if he maintains his role in the passing game.
While this situation is fluid, the Denver backfield has undoubtedly become more competitive. Both Dobbins and Harvey could be valuable Fantasy assets, and if you were high on Harvey before the signing, you may be able to snag him at a discounted price in your draft.
The addition of J.K. Dobbins to the Denver Broncos’ roster creates a more uncertain Fantasy outlook for the team’s running back situation. While Dobbins is a proven commodity with his solid 2024 season, Harvey still has a chance to become the primary Fantasy option, especially in the passing game.
Fantasy managers should keep an eye on training camp updates and adjust their draft strategy accordingly, but for now, both players should remain on the radar as viable Fantasy picks.
