Denver signed J.K. Dobbins to bring north-south power and leadership to a retooled backfield. Week 1 vs Tennessee: 16 carries for 69 yards and a 19-yard TD, but 15 carries for 50 yards without the score, a 3.3-3.9 average that underscored inconsistency. Inside-zone runs looked productive, while outside tosses lacked burst, leaving yards on the table. The takeaway: Broncos should prioritize north-south rushing with Dobbins while using other backs for outside speed to maximize the offense and fantasy upside.

For fantasy managers, the path is clearer if Denver leans into power between the tackles and minimizes outside runs for Dobbins. His vision and stout frame are assets, but burst and tempo matter. The depth behind him—RJ Harvey, Tyler Badie, Jaleel McLaughlin—offers complementary flexibility without forcing Dobbins into every outside scheme. Monitor how Payton balances inside vs outside concepts in the coming weeks.

Denver heads into the opener with key front-seven absences. Dre Greenlaw is ruled out with a quad issue, and Malcolm Roach is sidelined by a Grade 2 calf strain that could cost several weeks. Denver is leaning on Justin Strnad to anchor the middle, with Karene Reid and Levelle Bailey factoring into the rotation as the team contemplates elevating Bailey from the practice squad. Expect Eyioma Uwazurike and Jordan Jackson to shoulder more interior duties as the Broncos adjust on the fly.

With Roach potentially missing extended time, the run defense and interior pressures will hinge on Uwazurike’s burst and Jackson’s ability to hold the point. Nate Adkins is out, and Dondrea Tillman was limited, so the depth chart tightens and fantasy managers in IDP leagues will want to monitor snap shares closely as Week 1 unfolds.

In the latest analysis of dynasty fantasy football, several AFC players are identified as overvalued options worth trading away. Beginning in the AFC East, Dalton Kincaid of the Buffalo Bills is highlighted for disappointing production despite high expectations, especially compared to peers like Sam LaPorta. Jaylen Waddle of the Miami Dolphins is noted for a concerning regression after a standout year, with questions surrounding his role in an offense now heavily reliant on running back De'Von Achane.

Moving to the AFC North, Mark Andrews of the Ravens is seen as overly dependent on touchdowns, and Chase Brown from the Bengals is likened to past late-round running backs who may not maintain long-term production. The AFC South features Joe Mixon, whose aging status raises red flags despite last year's impressive yardage, while Anthony Richardson of the Colts faces skepticism about his development as a quarterback. Lastly, AFC West players like Javonte Williams and Isiah Pacheco are mentioned for their struggles to regain pre-injury form, reflecting a trend of declining performances among these once-promising stars.