Running Back · Denver Broncos
RJ Harvey — 2026 Fantasy Outlook
Analysis by Shawn Childs, from his 2026 guide — his words, unedited.
The case
- · Over the first 10 weeks of 2025, with DJ Dobbins healthy, Harvey was on the field for 29.2% of the Broncos’ snaps.
- · He averaged 9.99 PPR fantasy points over this span on 7.5 per game, resulting in him scoring 1.332 fantasy points per touch.
- · The Broncos upped his snaps from 19.3 per game to 40. 1 across his final nine matchups. Unfortunately, he gained only 3.3 yards per carry down the stretch, with 0.891 fantast per touch.
- · Sean Payton has a history of featuring his backs in the passing game (87/616/5 on 118 targets in 2025 and 96/528/4 on 119 targets in 2024), but Denver’s back must make bigger plays in the passing game to increase their fantasy value.
- · Harvey scored 12 TDs with more value than expected catching the ball in his rookie season (47/356/5 on 58 targets), while gaining 7.6 yards per catch.
- · His final two years in college showed a much better player on early downs (226/1,416/16 and 232/1,577/22), an area he must improve on this year.
Question marks
- · Last year, the Broncos rotated in three backs every week.
- · J.K. Dobbins isn’t going away with an injury, and Jonah Coleman will be a factor in this backfield at some point in the year.
- · I view Coleman as a must handcuff to RJ Harvey.
- · Harvey has a torn ACL on his college resume in 2021.
Shawn's conclusion
Last year, Harvey finished 20th in PPR fantasy points (207.70) despite only being on the field for 43.8% of Denver’s plays. He’ll work as change of pace back in the run game when J.K. Dobbins is upright. I expect him to be more active this year catching the ball, helping his floor. Harvey was a fantasy edge from Week 13 to Week 17 in PPR fantasy points (21.20, 22.10, 11.50, 22.10, and 18.60) while scoring over 15.00 fantasy points in three other matchups (19.80, 24.10, and 16.60).
More on Harvey
Many expected Denver to target a running back in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They waited until round two to grab Harvey, who put together back-to-back dominant rushing seasons (226 carries for 1,416 yards and 16 touchdowns, followed by 232 carries for 1,577 yards and 22 scores). His receiving work was limited over that stretch, combining for just 19 catches, though he averaged an eye-catching 26.6 yards per reception with five touchdowns.
His athleticism is genuine. Harvey ran a 4.40 forty at the 2025 NFL Combine, confirming the explosiveness his tape suggested. At 5'8" and 205 pounds, he plays bigger than his frame, leaning on power rather than elusiveness to churn out early yards. He has a patient, tempo-based running style, waiting for seams to open before unleashing his acceleration, a trait that shows up most on stretch plays, where one crease can turn into a big gain in a hurry.
His concerns are real. Harvey turned 24 before his first NFL snap, which is worth factoring into any long-term projection as part of Denver's backfield build. A torn ACL in 2021 is also on the medical record. His pass protection needs work, and his ceiling as a receiver remains uncertain, two areas that could limit his role on passing downs early in his career. His profile is that of a between-the-tackles workhorse with home run ability, but how quickly he can become a complete three-down back will determine his true ceiling in Denver's offense.
Over his first 10 games with the Broncos, Harvey had fewer than 10 touchdowns in nine games. Despite his low opportunity, he scored eight times, with better than expected value catching the ball (25/175/4). Denver upped his touches over their final nine matchups after J.K. Dobbins went down with an injury, but Harvey struggled to find space in the run game (115/383/5 – 3.3 yards per rush). The Broncos continued to give him chances to catch the ball (31/249/1 on 41 targets).
His body of work led to Harvey ranking 20th in PPR fantasy points (207.70), highlighted by four 20.0 fantasy point games (24.10, 21.20, 22.00, and 22.10).
Get Shawn's full 2026 Draft Kit — free
Every breakdown like this one, plus his tiers, the top-200 cheat sheet, and how his 2025 season actually graded out. One email, instant download.