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.

The Broncos rolled with Jarrett Stidham in the exhibition win over Arizona, cruising to a 27-7 victory. Stidham finished 16 of 23 for 240 yards and two touchdowns, directing Denver through a sharp opening drive that featured Evan Engram and rookie Pat Bryant on the highlights. RJ Harvey punched in Denver’s first TD, while Troy Franklin added a late score to seal the margin. Will Lutz provided three field goals, with the defense bending but mostly bending-less in the second half. Broncos injuries to Nick Gargiulo and Garrett Wilson were noted as they head toward the finale against New Orleans.

Arizona answered early but stagnated after the opening sequence, with Jacoby Brissett tossing a 16-yard TD to Simi Fehoko before Tune took over and Denver extended the lead behind continued big plays from Franklin and Fehoko. The night showcased Denver’s depth at skill positions and a QB competition under Payton’s watch, while the Cardinals evaluated Tune and the young pass catchers. A strong preseason push leaves fantasy managers eyeing expanding roles for the Broncos’ playmakers as the regular season approaches.

Denver carved a 97-yard opening drive in Week 2 of the NFL preseason, four plays, and RJ Harvey finished it with an eight-yard TD run.

Jarrett Stidham opened the drive with a 58-yard connection to Evan Engram, then found rookie Pat Bryant on a 29-yard pass to set up Harvey’s score, giving Denver a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Engram’s big catch-and-run and Bryant’s involvement spotlight the Broncos’ weapons on the first series, while Harvey’s rookie breakout hint suggests a deeper backfield role could be in play this preseason.

Cardinals face the immediate challenge of stopping a quick-strike drive, and Denver’s early success signals potential for a dynamic, weapons-filled offense if these players stay involved. For fantasy managers, Harvey’s early TD and Engram/Bryant’s early involvement are worth monitoring as rosters take shape.

This sequence offers a tangible early-season signal: Harvey could emerge as a versatile backfield option, Engram remains a trusted weapon, and Bryant could push for more targets as the Broncos evaluate their depth chart behind Stidham.