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.

RJ Harvey shines as a potential lead back for Denver after a strong early-down showing in the preseason, hinting at a backfield role that could yield steady early carries and strong passing-game usage if he wins the passing-down job. The Payton era has a track record of turning versatile backs into fantasy producers, which supports Harvey’s upside even in a volatile backfield.

Travis Hunter’s 11-personnel-heavy preseason debut with Jacksonville signals a sizable offensive role if he settles at receiver, with slot reps mixing in behind Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown. Rashee Rice is still the focal point for fantasy managers, a proven late-round standout whose ADP reflects a high ceiling after last year’s breakout. J.K. Dobbins’ third-down role around preseason usage adds nuance to Denver’s backfield, while Jordan Mason’s path to Minnesota could elevate him as a seasonal value big-man in the late rounds.

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.

Najee Harris is close to returning from a scary eye injury suffered in a July fireworks mishap, and the Chargers are counting on him to anchor a crowded backfield. On a one-year deal worth up to 9.25 million, Harris has been inching back into drills after limited activity since early August. If Harris isn’t ready for Week 1, Omarion Hampton will shoulder more carries as the top backup, with a battleground around Vidal, Sanders, Haskins and Miller-Hines for the third spot. The Chargers haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017, and Harris’s dual-threat profile could unlock the passing game if he’s healthy. Week 1 against Kansas City in Sao Paulo will be a true early-season gauge.

The Chargers’ depth behind Harris is notable but unproven, making every practice rep critical for Hampton and the competing group. Harris’s Pittsburgh background as a steady runner and reliable receiver is a relatable touchstone for fantasy managers weighing risk vs. reward in a backfield that needs a durable, feature-back presence. Harris’s health status and usage in the opener will drive the early fantasy value of Hampton and the rest of the Chargers' backfield, especially in DFS lineups and risk-adjusted season-long rosters.

J.K. Dobbins signs with Denver in 2025, a move that instantly puts him in the crosshairs of a backfield that could lean on him if the team isn’t ready to trust second-round rookie R.J. Harvey on money downs. Dobbins flashed a ceiling in Baltimore and had a brief 100-yard surge with the Chargers in 2024, but injuries and inefficiency tempered his production. In Denver, his fantasy value hinges on Harvey’s readiness and how much Denver wants to rely on a run-heavy attack. If Harvey growls early on third-downs, Dobbins could be a late-round flyer whose real value comes from goal-line touches and a safer floor than many other sleepers.

Harvey’s arrival clouds the projection: the rookie’s ability in pass protection and as a receiver will determine how many money-down reps Dobbins truly earns. If Harvey struggles, Dobbins could steal a larger share of carries; if not, expect a committee with modest combined upside. Managers drafting in redraft or dynasty leagues should weigh Denver’s line stability, the offense’s overall pace, and Dobbins’ injury history when mapping rosters and risk.

Overall, Dobbins’ 2025 fantasy outlook sits as a cautious, low-ceiling bet in the later rounds. The path to mid-season work is there, but the backfield in Denver is tethered to Harvey’s development and health. In standard leagues, he’s more of a depth piece with upside if Harvey falters; in PPR formats, Harvey's role could cap Dobbins’ receiving upside while preserving a floor through consistent early-down touches and red-zone opportunities.