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'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.

Jaleel McLaughlin, the dynamic running back for the Denver Broncos, is setting his sights on a larger role within the team's passing offense as competition heats up for the running back spots. With the addition of veteran J.K. Dobbins and the drafting of RJ Harvey, the Broncos appear to be solidifying their backfield for the upcoming season. McLaughlin's unique skill set as a scatback positions him as a potential game-changer, especially with his impressive college stats and agility.

While Dobbins and Harvey are expected to be the top two backs, McLaughlin, along with Audric Estime and others, aims to carve out a niche in the passing game, showcasing his receiving abilities. Coaches are looking for versatility in their offensive scheme, making McLaughlin's agility and pass-catching skills even more valuable. As he competes for playing time, his progression in the preseason will be crucial for fantasy football enthusiasts tracking potential sleeper picks.

As the Denver Broncos gear up for preseason games, their running back rotation is set to evolve. After parting ways with Javonte Williams, the Broncos re-signed Jaleel McLaughlin and brought in other talent like Audric Estime, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson. They also drafted R.J. Harvey and added veteran J.K. Dobbins. Coach Sean Payton indicated that the final rotation will depend on performance during training camp and preseason games, particularly after joint practices with New Orleans. Payton highlighted the impressive runs by players like Blake Watson and Audric Estime, suggesting that the competition is heating up.

The Denver Broncos are faced with tough roster decisions as they approach the preseason cuts. With a current roster of about 55 players vying for 18 spots, several candidates could be traded to simplify these choices. Top trade prospects include cornerback Damarri Mathis, who, despite impressive skills, may be overshadowed by stronger competition like Pat Surtain and Jahdae Barron. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin finds himself in a similar situation, as he competes with standout veterans J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey. Other potential trade pieces include safety Devon Key, defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, and safety JL Skinner, all of whom are at risk of being cut due to a surplus at their respective positions. As the Broncos gear up for their preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers, expect trade buzz to escalate in the lead-up to the final roster deadline.