The Denver Broncos have been one of the most closely watched teams throughout the NFL preseason, and rookie RB RJ Harvey has been right in the middle of the spotlight.
After drawing plenty of fantasy buzz early in the summer, the second-round RB's stock dipped once the Broncos listed him as the RB5 on their initial depth chart. While that label raised more than a few eyebrows, his preseason usage has told a different tale. And thus far, that hasn't been enough to change his outlook on the PrizePicks NFLSZN board.
In the Preseason Week 3 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, Harvey opened the game with the first-team offense while J.K. Dobbins rested, totaling just 5 yards on 4 touches.
Those numbers aren't great, but the encouraging sign was that Harvey was on the field as a starter across three possessions.
Below, we'll preview what to expect from Harvey from his rookie season.
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Broncos RB Outlook: RJ Harvey to Start
Head coach Sean Payton hasn’t shied away from bold proclamations this offseason, and the running game has been one of his biggest talking points. After last year’s unit ranked near the bottom of the league in explosive plays, Payton has vowed for a “markedly different” approach in 2025, per The Athletic's Nick Kosmider.
That change has been a bit of a double-edged sword: Dobbins and Harvey to lead the RB room, and new wrinkles in the scheme, with a heavier emphasis on the outside zone concepts.
When Sean Payton's teams go out an draft a RB, it's worth taking note. He's only draft three running backs before Day 3 of the NFL Draft (first three rounds): Reggie Bush (2006), Mark Ingram, (2011), and Alvin Kamara (2017). Then, Harvey .
The Broncos believe Harvey's speed and instincts are a perfect match for that style, while Dobbins brings veteran leadership Payton says this backfield needed.
Payton has been careful not to crown an RB1 too early. But coaches have acknowledged that Harvey has room to grow, particularly in pass protection and decision-making.
"There are times where [Harvey] bounces it (outside) where you wish he hadn't, but he usually outruns everybody, so it works out," offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said.
Updated Broncos RB Depth Chart for Week 1
Here is how we're expecting the Broncos RB depth chart to play out, assuming they keep four RBs, as reporters are expecting.
RB1: J.K. Dobbins
RB2: RJ Harvey
RB3: Jaleel McLaughlin
RB4: Tyler Badie
Although Harvey, hasn't been named the RB1, there are signs that Harvey will be in the mix with starters to open the season.
Most notably, in the Week 2 preseason game, Harvey took every rush with the first team unit. However, Dobbins did sit out in that game.
Still, Payton has kept the competition open. "We're rooting for them all," he said when asked about the crowded RB room. That reflects Denver's plan to rotate backs and ride the hot hand rather than forcing one clear starter.
Though Harvey is likely still the RB2 to start the season, and Dobbins is the starter in name, Harvey has showed to have more upside, even as a rookie.
RJ Harvey Projections for Fantasy Football 2025
Here are all of RJ Harvey's fantasy football projections for 2025, via the PrizePicks NFLSZN board. You can pick More or Less on these season-long stat projections on PrizePicks to win real money if your picks are right.
- 1.5 100+ Rush Yard Games
- 725.5 Rush Yards
It's worth noting that PrizePicks NFLSZN does not have any projections for J.K. Dobbins in any statistical category.
RJ Harvey vs. JK Dobbins: Week 1 Fantasy Football Impact
Through three preseason games, Harvey has flashed just enough to keep fantasy managers intrigued. He logged 13 carries for 47 yards and a TD, adding 3 receptions for 7 yards with limited pass-catching opportunities.
His receiving numbers should blossom as he kicks of his rookie year, as Payton appears ready to maintain his usage alongside Dobbins.
For Week 1, though specifically, fantasy expectations should be tempered. Dobbins is likely to handle the bulk of touches early, with Harvey working in as a change-of-pace back who can inject explosiveness.
