Playoff time has officially arrived for fantasy football — and it's crunch time for NFL teams looking to make the playoffs. For the Broncos, it's time to lock down home-field advantage in the AFC; if they're going to do so, a win vs. the Packers this week will be key.
Broncos rookie RB RJ Harvey could be a key piece of getting a W; both for the Broncos and for fantasy football, as he's currently the RB20 in PPR scoring, averaging 15.95 points per game in his last six games, with J.K. Dobbins out for the season.
But should you start or sit Harvey in a tough matchup vs. the Packers top 10 defense in rush yards per game this week in the fantsay playoffs?
Let’s look at Harvey’s projections at PrizePicks and make a verdict to Start or Sit Denver’s lead running back in Week 15.
Week 15 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: RJ Harvey vs. Packers Defense
We’ll take a look at Harvey’s statistics and matchup for Week 15, circling whether to start or sit the Broncos RB vs. the Packers in fantasy football and on PrizePicks. Head over to PrizePicks and pick More or Less on player stat projections — like Harvey's rushing yards — for an opportunity to win real money if your picks are right.
Why Start RJ Harvey vs. Packers?
Denver RB J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 10, leading to a larger role for Harvey. The rookie tailback has a 58.7% snap share since Week 11 compared to 29.1% over his first 10 games of the season.
This has translated to some big-time fantasy numbers, including 21.2 and 22.0 fantasy points in PPR leagues over the last two weeks. Harvey is projected to 13 fantasy points on PrizePicks this week, which is PPR scoring.
However, those big games came against two weak defenses in the Commanders and Raiders — the 26th aand 18th ranked defenses in rush expected points added (EPA). Week 15’s opponent brings a tougher task, as the Packers allow only 3.9 yards per carry (ninth), 15.1 fantasy points per game against RBs (eighth), per Pro Football Reference.
Green Bay has ceded the eighth-most receptions against running backs this season. The emerging halfback posted a season-high 6 targets in Week 14 and is averaging 5.0 targets per game over the previous two. Furthermore, Harvey has turned the volume into 4.5 receptions and 26.0 receiving yards per contest in the split.
Paired with a season-high 17 carries for the rookie in Week 14, we can trust Harvey’s role in the Broncos offense right now. That’s also led to consistent red-zone work, with the former UCF Golden Knight scoring 3 TDs since Week 13 on 9 red-zone carries.
Harvey is projected a healthy 11.5 carries, 50.5 rushing yards, 3.5 receptions, and 18.5 receiving yards on PrizePicks for Week 15. You can pick More or Less on Harvey's stats vs. the Packers to win real money if you're right.
Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Verdict: Start Harvey With Increased Role
Ultimately, Harvey's usage is something we can trust right now — that's key at this part of the season, even in a tough matchup. The Packers actually give up a decent workload to backs in the receiving game, which is in line with avoiding Green Bay’s elite pass rush, ranking 10th in pass-rush win rate.
This paired with the rookie’s recent success on the ground and in the red zone makes plenty of paths for Harvey to have a strong fantasy performance.
Make NFL Week 15 Picks on PrizePicks
Will Denver’s rookie RB keep up his hot streak against an exceptional defense? Pick projections for Harvey at PrizePicks with the chance to win real money. Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their stats, and win cash if you're right.
Check out the Playbook throughout the season for more NFL picks, predictions, and news every day.
