J.K. Dobbins vs. RJ Harvey vs. Jonah Coleman: Which Broncos Running Back Should Fantasy Football Managers Target?

⏱304 sec. here / 7 min. at publisher

📊News: 97% · Publisher: 63%

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High.

| IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Entering the 2026 NFL season, the Denver Broncos have a trio of running backs who could contribute and bring different skill sets to the table. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey are returning from a season ago, while Coleman is a rookie fourth-round pick for the Broncos.

Most sources have Denver’s offensive line regarded as one of the best trench units in the NFL, so having the most productive back in the offense could be fruitful in fantasy football. Which Broncos running back should fantasy football managers target in Week 1 and throughout the season? Dobbins has been an efficient runner throughout his career, but injuries have certainly hindered his ability to remain a consistent contributor in fantasy football.

Since being taken in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Dobbins has missed a whopping 54 games. September 4, 2026 In his first year with the Broncos in 2025, Dobbins had the 7th-most yards per attempt and 15th-most yards after contact per attempt .

Additionally, Dobbins had the 14th-most EPA/rush and 10th-highest success rate . Along with Dobbins’ injury concerns, his lack of receiving usage makes him less viable in PPR leagues. Whilethat he’ll be active all season in 2026, it remains to be seen if that’s enough to buck the trend.

After signing a two-year contract with Denver in the offseason, Dobbins appears to be the early-down starter in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs. This makes Dobbins viable as a Week 1 starter in fantasy football for half-PPR formats, though there could be better options in leagues that have full-point PPR scoring. If you’re someone who has Dobbins on your roster, it may be worth handcuffing him with Coleman in this backfield.

It could also be beneficial to have other running backs on your squad who possess mid-to-late season upside in case Dobbins misses time again. Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey pulls in a pass under pressure from Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High.

| IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect As a rookie who saw extra work with Dobbins sidelined last season, Harvey was certainly a less efficient runner than his backfield mate. At the same time, Harvey does boast a higher ceiling in the receiving department. Among running backs with 100-plus carries in 2025, Harvey had just the 41st-most yards per attempt , 42nd-most yards after contact , 45th-most EPA/rush , and 41st-highest success rate .

However, Harvey also hauled in the eighth-most receptions , eighth-most receiving yards , and third-most receiving touchdowns among running backs. The blemishes on Harvey’s case to be the lead back for the Broncos are his inefficiencies on the ground and the fact that Dobbins figures to handle the majority of the rushing attempts – at least to begin the season.

While Dobbins is the most enticing option in half-PPR leagues in the Broncos’ backfield in Week 1, Harvey is the best option in PPR formats. Although the addition of Jaylen Waddle to the wide receiver room can put a dent in Harvey’s receiving upside, he still figures to have a pass-catching role alongside Bo Nix, who is returning from a season-ending ankle injury.

In Nix’s first game back from injury, Denver could prioritize having him get the ball out quickly and stay on schedule, which would benefit Harvey. Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman during training camp at Broncos Park. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Despite bringing back Dobbins, the Broncos added Coleman during this year’s draft. While Coleman wasn’t overly efficient in his final collegiate season at Washington, his production in 2024 is also worth noting.

Before being tied for the 8th-most rushing touchdowns among college backs with 100-plus carries in 2025, Coleman had the 10th-most yards after contact per attempt and 12th-most missed tackles forced in 2024. Coleman also totaled 79 receptions, 814 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns in his final three years at Washington, so he’s a capable pass-catcher.

Ahead of his rookie campaign, Coleman is seemingly the No. 3 back on Denver’s depth chart to begin the year, but there are scenarios where he gets an expanded role as the season progresses. Barring a surprising decision by Sean Payton, Coleman likely won’t have a reliable role in Week 1. With Dobbins expected to handle early downs and Harvey maintaining his role in the passing game, there are limited snaps for Coleman to begin his rookie season.

All that being said, Coleman has the tools to be Dobbins’ immediate backup, and he’s capable of remaining on the field in passing situations if he proves he can be trusted in pass protection. Despite not having confidence in Coleman in Week 1, he’s a worthwhile running back to target in dynasty leagues and standard leagues due to his late-season upside. Deciding between Dobbins, Harvey, and Coleman is entirely dependent on your fantasy football league’s scoring settings.

Dobbins undoubtedly has the most secure role in half-PPR formats to begin the season, though his injury issues unquestionably add a ton of risk and lower his ceiling. Harvey should be the priority in the Broncos’ running back room in full-PPR leagues, as he flashed upside as a receiver in 2025. It could be Harvey who handles most of the passing snaps for Denver in Week 1, but Coleman could see more usage if the second-year back falters.

Lastly, Coleman is the back on the Broncos who I’d be targeting in dynasty leagues, as there’s an avenue for him to be the team’s long-term starter. As for this season, Coleman is seemingly the direct handcuff to Dobbins, and he’s aSkyler Carlin is an experienced sports writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, college football, college basketball, and soccer for FanDuel Research and USA Today.

Outside of writing, he enjoys cooking, watching movies, and playing video games.

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Could Alabama Standout Ryan Coleman-Williams Be Dealing With ‘The Yips’?Ryan Coleman-Williams had two baffling drops in Alabama's Week 1 opener. Can the talented junior wideout finally take the leap the Crimson Tide expect?Read more »

Jonah Tong’s latest chance to impress Mets will come MondayDuring a September that will be defined by development and not by victories, Monday looms as a large day for the Mets.Read more »

Jonathan Ross's son Harvey marries long-term partner Muna Silver at Kew GardensHarvey Ross, 32, the only son of TV presenter Jonathan Ross and screenwriter Jane Goldman, married his long-term partner Muna Silver at London's Kew Gardens. The lavish wedding, attended by family members including sisters Honey and Betty, featured a ceremony in the Nash Conservatory followed by a reception in the Orangery. Muna, a photographer and producer, wore a strapless white gown with a deep red and purple floral bouquet, while guests enjoyed dancing and a photo booth. The couple, who have been together since 2018, are reportedly planning to start a family soon.Read more »

Jonah Tong’s short Mets showcase part of tricky 2027 evaluations facing David StearnsAs for current Mets, even Jonah Tong’s present moment is overshadowed by future implications. For weeks — months, really — 2026 has faded in meaning as the focus shifts to 2027 and beyond.Read more »