RJ Harvey has officially begun as the starting running back for the Denver Broncos, taking on the early down responsibilities while J.K. Dobbins fills the role of third-down back. This decision marks a significant shift in the Broncos' backfield dynamics, especially after a complex season last year, which included players like Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, and Tyler Badie.
This offseason, the Broncos made a strategic move by selecting R.J. Harvey in the second round of the draft and signing J.K. Dobbins in free agency. In their recent game, Harvey received all the carries with the first team, playing 12 out of 13 snaps on early downs, while Dobbins participated in five third-down snaps. This distribution is promising for Harvey’s fantasy football value, especially considering that last season the Broncos running backs combined for significantly more receptions on early downs (63) compared to third downs (22).
Although the Broncos have a history of utilizing veterans in early game situations, the current split indicates that Harvey could be a must-start in fantasy leagues, while Dobbins may struggle to find consistent value. It’s essential to monitor how this backfield evolves as the regular season approaches.
In the New York Jets camp, Breece Hall has been positioned as the starter, although he is part of a rotation that includes Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. Under a new coaching staff from the Detroit Lions, the Jets aim to utilize all three backs effectively. Hall participated in the first two snaps of the game, with Davis and Allen rotating in and out frequently. This suggests a shared workload on early downs, complicating Hall’s potential as a top-15 fantasy running back if the current rotation remains consistent through the regular season.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has made a significant leap up the depth chart for the Washington Commanders. Although the team previously relied on Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt's performance in training camp has caught attention. In his first game, he started over established players like Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr., playing all early down snaps. This positions him as a potential direct backup to Robinson, making him a player to watch should any injuries occur this season.
TreVeyon Henderson has quickly established himself in the New England Patriots backfield, particularly outpacing Antonio Gibson on the depth chart. The Patriots, who underwent significant changes this offseason, now feature Henderson alongside veterans like Rhamondre Stevenson. In their recent game, Henderson played alongside Stevenson, indicating a possible dual-threat approach in the running game. While there’s potential for Henderson to lead in third-down snaps, Stevenson may still dominate in carries.
Marvin Mims Jr. has been a consistent presence for the Denver Broncos, participating in 16 out of 19 snaps with the starters. His role has evolved from last season, where he was mixed into various situations. With the departure of Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Mims has solidified his position and could emerge as a valuable fantasy asset, especially considering the significant snaps he has been receiving.
The Las Vegas Raiders have restructured their wide receiver corps, with Dont’e Thornton Jr. starting and Jack Bech competing for vital playing time. The recent draft additions suggest a competitive atmosphere for the second wide receiver position, with Bech's performance continuing to show promise. As the preseason progresses, monitoring these changes will be crucial for fantasy football enthusiasts.
The tight end situation for the Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks is evolving. Chig Okonkwo has clearly emerged as a starter for the Titans, while Eric Saubert and Elijah Arroyo have begun to shape the Seahawks' tight end rotation. The dynamics of these positions will be critical as teams finalize their rosters before the regular season, impacting fantasy football strategies.
As we delve deeper into the preseason, player usage and stats will be vital for fantasy football success. Monitoring the performances and roles of players like RJ Harvey, Breece Hall, and Travis Hunter can provide insights into their potential impact during the 2025 season. For a more comprehensive analysis, be sure to check out the complete preseason Week 1 recap and utilize tools like PFF+ with the code earlybird to enhance your fantasy football strategy.
