J.K. Dobbins or RJ Harvey Start or Sit Advice for Week 3
The Broncos took a tough Week 1 loss on Monday Night Football against the Chiefs, but they bounced back nicely in Week 2 with a home win over the Jaguars, 20-13. In Week 3, they’ll have a tough test on Sunday Night Football as they host the Rams, who are also 1-1 coming into the big showdown. The Broncos’ backfield has been a turbulent spot already this season, so in Week 3, can you start J.K. Dobbins or RJ Harvey against the Rams or should you set them in search of better options? Let’s take a look at the situation and what to expect on Sunday night.
Dobbins has run for exactly 36 yards in each of the first two games this season, not catching a pass or even being targeted. He is averaging 4.0 yards per carry with 72 yards on 18 carries. He was expected to be the workhorse back last week, but he had to leave early with a hip injury. However, he was able to get in a full practice on Thursday and looks to be ready to go in his usual role this week.
He was expected to get more work against the Jaguars since RJ Harvey (hamstring) missed the game. Harvey got in a limited practice Wednesday and a full session Thursday, though, putting him on track to return to action on Sunday. Harvey actually played 51% of snaps in Week 1, while Dobbins played 43% of snaps but got more carries. The Broncos were going pass-heavy to try and rally against the Chiefs, and Harvey had four catches on four targets for 23 yards while picking up 18 rushing yards on three carries (6.0 yards per carry).
After Dobbins left on Sunday, rookie Jonah Coleman stepped up and played well. However, he wasn’t able to practice on Wednesday or Thursday with an ankle injury and may not be able to play at all this week, making it unlikely that he steals significant work from Dobbins and Harvey. His presence does make both Harvey and Dobbins a little more risky, but it may take some more time before he threatens their playing time.
The Rams have been a top-10 team against RBs this season and totally shut down the Giants’ running game last week. They haven’t allowed an RB touchdown yet this year, so it isn’t an ideal spot to attack with either Dobbins or Harvey, even if they’re healthy. Assuming both are good to go, should you start or sit them this week?
For Dobbins, he is so touchdown dependent that I would avoid starting him unless you’re in a deep league desperate for a FLEX play. He hasn’t shown much spark and doesn’t have a clear path to playing time with Harvey available.
Start or Sit: Sit J.K. Dobbins
Of the Broncos’ running backs, Harvey is definitely the more attractive play in PPR leagues due to his role in the passing game. If you need a FLEX play this week, Harvey is a flier you can consider, and I would definitely play him over Dobbins if that’s an option. He still needs to show he’s healthy, but I see him as a fringe FLEX option for deep PPR leagues. In standard-sized leagues, though, he’s probably best left on the bench for this matchup against the Rams until he proves he’s healthy and in a prominent-enough role to be reliable. I do like Harvey as a bargain play for DFS if you’re playing in the NFL Showdown $1M Sunday Night Showdown [$250K to 1st] (LAR @ DEN) or other single-game contests
