The 8-2 Denver Broncos are going to be without running back J.K. Dobbins in Week 11, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. Broncos fans are probably wondering how the already struggling offense will perform without its most statistically productive player. Don’t worry, Pro Football & Sports Network is here with the hard-hitting analysis. Thanks to a second-round pick used on a running back this past draft, the Broncos’ run game should be fine this week.
Enter RJ Harvey
Dobbins, No. 14 in PFSN’s RB Impact Score, leads the Broncos’ offense with 772 rushing yards. NFL Insider Jordan Schultz first reported the news that Dobbins will miss Week 11.
He said, “Broncos (running back) (J.K.) Dobbins is expected to miss multiple weeks with a foot injury suffered on Thursday night vs the Raiders. I’m told IR is a possibility. A tough injury for Dobbins, who leads the team with 772 rushing yards on the season.”
Enter RJ Harvey. While Dobbins is No. 7 in rushing yards per game, Harvey has six touchdowns on 75 total touches heading into Week 11. In other words, the latter has been waiting for more work. Drafted in a starter round — Round 2 of the NFL Draft — Harvey is a positional surplus waiting in the wings.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are No. 14 in run block win rate as well, while the Chiefs are dead last in run stop win rate. It’s opportunity meeting preparation for Harvey. In other words, the Broncos can still lean on the run game this week without Dobbins. It’s counterintuitive.
In addition, the Chiefs are No. 20 in pass rush win rate, while the Broncos are No. 4 in pass block win rate. This week, it appears the Broncos will employ a balanced game plan in Week 11 against the Chiefs. But don’t be surprised to see the Broncos’ run game business as usual without Dobbins, based on the matchup.
For fantasy football managers, head coach Sean Payton said, “You’re starting to see that (growth) with RJ (Harvey). And obviously, he’ll have more opportunities here in this game. So, yeah, he’s built when you see his frame. He’s built to last, and that’s important.”
It’s wheels up for Harvey because of his versatility as a rusher and receiver this week. Screenshot this.