Denver's backfield remains a fluid puzzle after Week 2 of the preseason. Audric Estime showed limited early-season traction, slipping from a Week 1 depth role to a late-game appearance in Week 2. The coaching staff laid out a clear two-thirds plan for Blake Watson and Estime, with RJ Harvey drawing a start and Tyler Badie, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Blake Watson mixing in. The path for Estime to the 53-man roster appears precarious, potentially pivoting to a practice-squad spot if the current pecking order holds. For fantasy players, this is a situation to monitor closely as roster decisions loom and Watson’s workload could become the most reliable clue to Denver’s usage in the opener.

J.K. Dobbins rested for the Cardinals game, providing context on how teams guard their top backs in August. Denver’s plan suggests a committee dynamic that could favor two or three players who can contribute both on the ground and in the pass game. Audric Estime’s Week 2 performance (9 carries for 20 yards, no targets) reinforces the uncertainty surrounding his roster security, while Blake Watson’s two-thirds allotment hints at a potential breakout opportunity if Estime slips. Fantasy managers should watch for any late-summer roster moves that could tilt the backfield toward a clearer lead option in Week 1 of the regular season.

Denver and Arizona clash in preseason Game 2 after a joint practice, with starters mostly sidelined as both teams evaluate depth. Denver's RB room is the big storyline, featuring a crowded battle among Dobbins, Harvey, McLaughlin, Badie, and Audric Estime, while Bo Nix steers the first-team offense in a limited window. Trent Sherfield has emerged as an offensive spark, Joaquin Davis has stood out in camp, and Jonathon Cooper looks primed for a breakout. The Cardinals' coaching staff will scrutinize depth behind the Stars, health, and special-teams contributions ahead of Week 1. Kickoff is 9:30 p.m. ET at Empower Field.

Broncos-specific notes point to Nix leading a potential early scoring drive, the defense recovering after a rocky opener, and Payton signaling starters may not push deep into the Arizona night after joint practices. For fantasy-focused readers, the mash-up of RB competition and Sherfield's uptick could redefine late-round expectations. Arizona, meanwhile, uses the night to gauge roster flexibility and receiver development, with the hope of uncovering versatile pieces for its depth chart.

Denver's backfield competition is heating up around Tyler Badie, who is emerging as a real contender for the final roster spots. Payton highlighted Badie's pass protection and his ability to contribute as a receiver on third downs, signaling a path to meaningful snaps even in a crowded room. In preseason, Badie ran five times for 32 yards and snagged two passes for nine yards, underscoring his versatility and reliability as a blocker. He sits in a tight battle with Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime for the RB3/RB4 roles, with Blake Watson also in the mix, while the team looks ahead to a Week 1 tune-up against Arizona. The takeaway for fantasy players is clear: Badie could vault into deeper-league consideration if his protection and passing-game usage stay strong and consistent, especially if he can capitalize on third-down opportunities.

Payton’s comments this offseason emphasize what separates Badie: consistent effort in pass protection and the ability to impact the game as a receiver. With veterans and rookies vying for the last two roster spots, Badie’s willingness to block and his ability to catch out of the backfield give him a tangible edge in a multi-back committee. The Broncos will again test the RB group in the upcoming game against Arizona, where the coaching staff will be watching how Badie handles reps on both running and receiving downs, and whether McLaughlin, Estime, or Watson can push ahead. For fantasy managers, Badie’s trajectory is compelling but will hinge on role clarity and clean, consistent exploitation of third-down opportunities.

Audric Estime faces a crowded Broncos backfield after a standout rookie season, and preseason reps reveal a possible RB5 path that’s anything but guaranteed. Denver’s rotation in the latest game featured Harvey, Dobbins, McLaughlin and Badie ahead of Estime, with Blake Watson chipping in as well. Payton confirmed the committee will continue through preseason, so Estime must consistently impress to hold a spot on the 53-man roster.

Estime carried 9 times for 41 yards in the opener, while his rookie-year line sits at 310 rushing yards on 76 attempts with 2 scores. That modest rookie production still gives him a realistic shot to survive cuts if he offers special teams value and shows improvement in pass protection and in-game usage. With two exhibition games left, fantasy managers should monitor the Broncos’ move toward a deeper rotation and whether Estime can translate his college burst into an every-down opportunity or remain a tantalizing but uncertain depth piece.

For dynasty and redraft angles, Estime’s fate depends on roster decisions and how Denver values youth vs. proven depth. If he lands on the 53, his upside hinges on increased snaps and goal-line chances as Payton’s offense evolves. If he doesn’t, derisking him to a practice squad scenario becomes plausible, making late-round write-ups and stash options critical through the remaining preseason slate.

Denver's preseason opener underscored how meaningless early depth charts are in August. R.J. Harvey started and turned eight touches into 29 yards as part of a phased backfield rotation that will continue in the next two exhibitions. Audric Estime sat deep on the depth chart but could still have a path if he impresses in practices and later preseason reps. J.K. Dobbins also saw first-team action, suggesting Denver envisions a two-man lead role with Harvey and Dobbins, while Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson will vie for depth spots as the competition remains wide open.

Payton stressed reps and versatility, highlighting Badie’s protection, Harvey’s forward-leaning style, and Watson’s home-run speed. With two more preseason games ahead, the backfield picture should evolve before final rosters are set. For fantasy readers, Harvey’s early usage signals a potential August uptick, but the rotation and multiple contributors mean Week 1 touches could be split, keeping expectations dynamic and contingent on how Denver divides carries and protections throughout August.