Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey has been getting plenty of buzz from the fantasy football community this offseason. The UCF product was a surprise second-round pick to many, with several more highly-rated backs still on the board.
The Broncos spent high draft capital on Harvey, suggesting that Sean Payton has a clear vision for his role — most expect that role to be becoming the go-to receiving back in an offense that has historically featured the position. Fantasy managers are taking notice, with Harvey emerging as a hot trade target and a potential breakout star in 2025.
This summer, 61.9% of trades involving RJ Harvey on PFSN’s Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer have seen managers buying into the Denver rookie. But is the hype justified — or is now the perfect time to cash in and sell high on Harvey before reality sets in?
Why Are Fantasy Managers Trading for RJ Harvey?
Harvey is believed to be the real deal in Denver, even if fantasy managers were given reason to hesitate when the team signed free agent J.K. Dobbins in June. Dobbins will likely back up the rookie, but he did enough last year (RB18 in fantasy points per game) not to be written off immediately.
The excitement surrounding Harvey is mainly due to his potential usage in the passing game. Denver led the NFL with 146 passes thrown behind the line of scrimmage in Bo Nix’s rookie season. Nix was known for his high check-down rate at Oregon, something that analysts held against him in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft.
All of those factors could see Harvey explode onto the scene come September. The rookie recorded an average of 13 yards per carry over his final two collegiate seasons.
RJ Harvey was the ONLY RB in CFB to hit these marks:
âž–1,500+ Rushing Yards
âž–Sub 250 AttemptsHis 2nd Round Draft Capital tells us a lot..
Notable Information:
âž–40 Time: 4.40 (96th Percentile)
➖Target Share: 9.3% (96th Percentile)A VERY clear path to being Denver’s RB1 pic.twitter.com/MhwIlbFz59
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) May 8, 2025
The veteran tallied 266 rushing yards over the first two games of the 2024 season, but he topped 80 yards just twice more over the rest of the season. That dwindling efficiency led the Los Angeles Chargers to move on from him this offseason, making him the second favorite for the lead role in Denver.
Audric Estimé and Jaleel McLaughlin remain on the team, but neither impressed in 2024 as the Broncos’ run game struggled to get going. Both will have a chance during the offseason to earn a role, but Harvey’s second-round draft capital suggests that Peyton has already decided to move on.
Should You Zig While Others Zag and Trade Harvey Away?
It’s always tempting to see what you could get for a player when they’re receiving as much hype as Harvey is this offseason. In this case, though, the potential upside that Harvey possesses is far greater than anything you’re likely to receive in a trade.
Though a second-round pick, Harvey wasn’t one of the bigger names heading into the draft. Therefore, he doesn’t have the name-brand value that pushes up the values of other backs, like TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
If you’re looking for a sure thing to help you compete in the short term, though, it would be worth enquiring about some aging stars, particularly on rebuilding teams. Players like George Kittle and Derrick Henry are names that rebuilding managers should look to capitalize on, as they are likely to offer massive production in 2025.
Names like Jordan Addison (potential suspension), Xavier Worthy (Rashee Rice’s return), and Jaylen Waddle (two down years) are players that managers have soured on. If you’re stacked at running back and need receiver depth, Harvey could be an immensely valuable trade chip.
Overall, Harvey has more upside than any player you’re likely to trade him for, without throwing extra pieces in. As with all players, there is always the chance that he fails, but his draft capital almost guarantees that he’ll get the opportunity to light up fantasy leagues.
I’d hold onto Harvey unless I’m a top contender — then I’d consider trading him for a proven elite veteran.
