Denver running backs JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey both showed flashes in their Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans, though their usage patterns revealed clear hierarchy preferences.
With the Broncos’ upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts presenting different challenges, how should fantasy football managers approach this situation in Week 2 lineups?
JK Dobbins Fantasy Outlook
Dobbins emerged as the clear lead back in Week 1, validating Sean Payton’s preference for veteran leadership early in the season. He out-snapped Harvey 40-22 (65% to 35%), establishing himself as the primary option in Denver’s ground attack despite the preseason speculation about a potential committee approach.
The veteran made the most of his expanded opportunity, handling 16 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for five yards. His 14.8 fantasy points represented exactly what managers hoped for from a player signed to provide stability and production in the backfield.
Dobbins’ 3.9 yards per carry wasn’t spectacular, but it demonstrated the steady, reliable production that convinced Denver to sign him during the offseason. His touchdown came from 19 yards out, showcasing his big-play ability.
True or False: JK Dobbins will remain the lead RB vs. Indianapolis 🤔 #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/ga9TXXfSiC
— FantasyPros (@FantasyPros) September 13, 2025
Dobbins’ familiarity with NFL pass protection schemes gives him a significant edge over Harvey in third-down situations. This advantage becomes particularly valuable in Payton’s offense, which frequently utilizes running backs as safety valves and check-down options for the quarterback.
His 18 total touches in Week 1 represented legitimate workhorse volume that few expected, given the presence of Harvey and the committee speculation throughout training camp. If this usage pattern continues, Dobbins profiles as a solid RB2 option with weekly double-digit fantasy point potential.
RJ Harvey Fantasy Outlook
Harvey was clearly positioned as the RB2 in Week 1, playing 22 snaps (35%) while receiving just seven total opportunities (six carries, one target). While his secondary role was disappointing for fantasy managers who drafted him expecting immediate impact, his talent remained evident in limited action.
The rookie’s most impressive moment came via a 50-yard run that showcased the explosive speed and vision that convinced Denver to select him in the second round. This single play demonstrated why he’s viewed as a future centerpiece of the Broncos’ ground attack despite his current limited role.
This play from RJ Harvey’s NFL debut is a really good encapsulation of the best of his UCF tape — vision, feel, adaptable, slippery in traffic, NAS button through creases, sets defenders up to fail in space, and good ol’ fashioned 4.40 wheels pic.twitter.com/L88TinwR3I
— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) September 11, 2025
Harvey’s six carries for 70 yards resulted in an impressive 11.6 yards per carry average, though the small sample size makes this efficiency difficult to project moving forward. His lone target suggests the passing game involvement may take time to develop.
The UCF product’s background as a former quarterback continues to serve him well in terms of field vision and decision-making. His ability to process defensive alignments and find running lanes has impressed coaches throughout his transition to the NFL level.
However, Harvey’s pass protection remains a work in progress, limiting his opportunities in obvious passing situations where Dobbins’ experience provides a clear advantage. Until he demonstrates consistent NFL-level blocking ability, his role will likely remain complementary rather than featured.
Harvey’s role should continue expanding as the season progresses, particularly if his efficiency advantages become more apparent. However, there’s no guarantee this growth begins immediately in Week 2, as Payton has historically shown patience with rookie development timelines.
Should You Start Dobbins or Harvey This Week?
The matchup against the Colts presents an intriguing challenge that’s difficult to evaluate based on limited sample sizes. It remains unclear whether the Colts possess a genuinely strong defense or if their impressive Week 1 debut was more attributable to facing Miami’s dysfunctional offense.
Indianapolis held De’Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II to just 59 rushing yards, but the fact that they did that on 11 carries suggests perhaps this defense isn’t that stifling.
Overall, though, the Colts’ defense showed marked improvement under new coordinator Lou Anarumo, but one game against a problematic opponent provides insufficient data for definitive conclusions.
MORE: Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Dobbins remains a startable RB2 option based on his established role and Week 1 usage patterns. Despite the potentially challenging matchup, his 18 total touches and goal-line work provide a reliable floor that makes him worthy of fantasy consideration.
Fantasy managers should exercise patience with Harvey despite his obvious talent and explosive potential. You simply cannot start a running back who plays 29% of the snaps and sees only seven touches, regardless of his efficiency or big-play ability.
Harvey should eventually emerge as an RB2 option as his role expands and his pass protection improves. However, for now, fantasy managers need to sit and wait until his opportunity increases to sustainable levels that support consistent weekly production.
