The Denver Broncos backfield is suddenly in flux behind J.K. Dobbins, where rookie Jonah Coleman brings a 97th-percentile 33.4 BMI and a 25.8-percent College Dominator Rating to challenge RJ Harvey for touches, especially on third-downs.
Coleman is actively running routes in camp, creating a direct touch squeeze for second-year back Harvey who has been limited in OTAs by shoulder surgery. The player who separates in this passing-down battle will offer standalone PPR FLEX utility this season. If Harvey’s ADP continues to drop, he will become a buy-low option in fantasy football seasonal and dynasty league formats.
A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Denver Broncos ...
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey had a strong first ...
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey remains the projected...
RJ Harvey quietly underwent offseason shoulder surgery for a torn labrum suffered in the AFC Championship game against the Patriots, limiting his team reps during OTAs after a rookie campaign featuring 193 touches, 896 scrimmage yards, and 12 total touchdowns.
When J.K. Dobbins was active, Harvey averaged just 7.9 opportunities per game compared to 17.9 opportunities in games Dobbins missed, signaling a usage cap when the backfield is at full strength. With Dobbins re-signed and the Broncos drafting Jonah Coleman, Harvey must fully recover by training camp to preserve his target magnet role in Sean Payton’s offense. Harvey is one of the most popular “fade list” players in fantasy football.
Denver Broncos rookie Jonah Coleman has earned high praise for his advanced pass-blocking skills and a physical running style comparable to teammate JK Dobbins. After producing 71% of his college yards after contact, his pro-ready toughness should earn him a meaningful role at some point in the 2026 season.
The arrival of Coleman was originally seen as shot across the bow of early down grinder Dobbins, however, RJ Harvey‘s 2026 fantasy point projection relies on increased third down receiving work. The arrival of Coleman, a highly touted Day 3 pick who can be trusted on third down, sets the stage for a potential touch squeeze capping Harvey’s ceiling in all fantasy formats. Harvey buyers beware in dynasty leagues.
The Denver Broncos just secured a bowling ball of pure steak at No. 108 by drafting Jonah Coleman, a compact 220-pound back who pairs a massive 33.4 BMI (97th-percentile) with the rugged contact balance to generate 71.0-percent of his yards after contact. Coleman had a 25.8% College Dominator Rating and a 9.7% Target Share, proving he could carry the load in the backfield if called upon.
In dynasty formats, it’s an interesting landing spot that muddies the waters in the Denver backfield with JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey, but Coleman is the 4th RB off the board in the NFL draft this year. He may slide up into the 2nd round of rookie drafts.
Denver re-signed JK Dobbins to lead the backfield for now. Dobbins is the ultimate meat shield paving the way for an RJ Harvey Year 2 breakout. The Dobbins signing actually makes Harvey a priority buy in dynasty leagues. Harvey’s elite receiving floor offers a massive long-term ceiling in Sean Payton’s high-volume RB system. Meanwhile Dobbins’ age and injury history have rendered him a mere dynasty throw-in.
The Denver Broncos lost the AFC Conference Championship game 10-7 against the New England Patriots. Denver already had a tall task relying on back-up quarterback Jarrett Stidham after starter Bo Nix broke his ankle last week. The first drive for Denver featured a beautiful 52 yard deep ball to Marvin Mims, followed with a touchdown to Courtland Sutton. From there, Denver could not do anything on offense. The blizzard like conditions in the second half didn’t help either offense.
Stidham finished completing 17 of 31 pass attempts for 133 passing yards for one touchdown and one interception. RJ Harvey had 13 carries for 37 rushing yards and 4 receptions for 22 receiving yards. Mims finished as the most productive reciever with 4 receptions for 62 receiving yards.
This playoff stretch was rough for rookie running back RJ Harvey. He showed so much promise throughout the season, with seven games of RB12 or higher on the week. His athletic ability is too good to ignore, now would be a good time to buy the dip in dynasty.
Author: Jesse Baldwin @J_Baldwin51
