Coleman ($4,300) made his return from a four-game absence due to an ankle injury this past Sunday vs. the Cardinals and the rookie out of Washington led the Broncos’ backfield with 69 scrimmage yards (8.9 FPTS). Meanwhile, RJ Harvey ($5,200) scored a touchdown while generating 60 scrimmage yards and Dobbins ($5,300) also found the endzone, but he only produced 23 scrimmage yards (8.3 FPTS).
The Broncos next face the Chiefs this Sunday for an AFC West matchup and, among Coleman, Dobbins, and Harvey, which Denver back is the best fantasy option for this contest?
Broncos’ Backfield Week 8 Fantasy Outlook
Despite missing four straight games, Coleman operated as the Broncos’ lead back in his return this past Sunday. The rookie saw nine carries on 30 snaps while Dobbins saw six carries on 14 snaps and Harvey saw three carries on 16 snaps. Dobbins, however, did see the Broncos’ lone redzone rush, which resulted in a touchdown for the veteran.
In the passing game, Dobbins only ran two routes and saw no targets while Coleman and Harvey both saw two targets on eight routes. Both players caught both their targets, but Harvey made the most of his two receptions, producing 54 receiving yards and a touchdown.
While Dobbins and Harvey both found the paydirt, Coleman was the primary option from this backfield, leading the way in scrimmage yards, touches and snaps. Sean Payton and this Broncos’ coaching staff thrusting Coleman into this type of workload in his return shows how much confidence they have in the rookie. While all three backs are likely to remain involved, Coleman should once again see the most work this Sunday vs. the Chiefs.
Coleman should find himself in the 12-15 touch range in his second game back and while this is a tough matchup with Kansas City giving up the fourth-fewest yards per rush this season (3.6), the efficient Coleman definitely could still have a solid fantasy outing.
Coleman is averaging 4.9 YPC – while both Dobbins and Harvey are under 3.7 – and Coleman is averaging 0.41 FPTS per snap, which ranks 27th among all backs. The Chiefs have allowed an opposing back to score 10+ FPTS in five-of-six games this season and Coleman has a strong chance to surpass that threshold.
