Projected Role & Competition
Harvey looks set to remain Denver’s passing-down back and change-of-pace option after the Broncos brought back Dobbins.
Dobbins' two-year, $16 million deal with $8 million guaranteed makes it clear Harvey isn't taking the lead role. He's competing with Dobbins for touches instead.
Dobbins was clearly the better runner last year. Through Week 10, he averaged 15.3 carries per game and ranked RB23 in PPR points per game. He also beat Harvey in carries inside the 5-yard line, 7-3, before getting hurt.
The rushing-efficiency gap was significant. Dobbins ranked 18th among 51 qualifying RBs in yards per carry, fourth in rushing yards over expected per attempt, 15th in yards after contact per attempt, 12th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 18th in PFF rushing grade. Harvey trailed him in every category.
The Broncos also added fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman, who could work his way into snaps as well.
Supporting Cast
Nix returns as the starting QB. His 25th-ranked average depth of target, paired with one of the league’s highest RB target rates, helps Denver’s backs in the passing game -- though Harvey’s better positioned than Dobbins to capitalize.
The offense also added pass-catching talent, acquiring Jaylen Waddle to join WR Courtland Sutton and TE Evan Engram. That mix could help sustain drives and produce scoring chances, even if it also adds target competition for Harvey.Sean Payton Built a Friendly PPR Environment
Coaching & Offensive Scheme
Sean Payton has consistently built fantasy-friendly offenses throughout his coaching career, including in Denver.
Payton has shifted the Broncos toward a faster, more pass-leaning offense over the last three seasons:
| Plays | Pace | Pass Rate | Neutral Pass Rate | Pass Rate Over Expected |
2023 | 59.8 | 29th | 55.6% | 55.9% | -1.1% |
2024 | 62.1 | 15th | 56.3% | 58.0% | +3.3% |
2025 | 64.2 | 13th | 58.2% | 58.2% | +5.5% |
Even with J.K. Dobbins healthy through the first 10 weeks, Denver still leaned pass-heavy:
- 57.2% pass rate
- 57.6% neutral pass rate
- +4.0% pass rate over expected
Payton’s history suggests Denver could continue trending further toward the pass and a faster pace in 2026.
Paths To Ceiling
Dobbins and Coleman crowd the backfield, limiting opportunity upside and lowering Harvey’s ceiling.
We already saw Harvey’s limited upside with Dobbins healthy, as he averaged:
- 5.0 carries
- 2.9 targets
- 10.0 PPR points per game (RB32)
The Broncos likely wouldn’t have brought Dobbins back on a two-year, $16 million contract if they planned on Harvey taking over the backfield.
In a committee, Harvey’s best path to increased upside is dominating passing-down and goal-line receiving work. He tied for third among RBs with 5 receiving TDs, and Denver averaged 4.1 RB targets per game after Dobbins went down.
The ceiling is a PPR RB2 with spike-week potential, but hitting that without injuries in front of him seems unlikely.
Risk Factors
Harvey’s rushing inefficiency, even after the Dobbins injury, shows real risks this season.
He ranked near the bottom among qualifying RBs in yards per carry, rush yards over expected per attempt, yards after contact per attempt, and PFF rushing grade. That makes it hard to argue he deserves to take work from Dobbins.
Not only did the Broncos bring Dobbins back, but they also drafted Jonah Coleman in the fourth round.
That isn’t the action of a team that expects Harvey to take over this season. He may simply not have the role to make a fantasy impact most weeks.
