Jaylen Warren vs RJ Harvey

“Warren has been the one constant in Pittsburgh’s backfield over the last several years. He’s answered the bell when called on to do whatever has been needed of him. Through the years, he’s become a solid, well-rounded back who can really do it all.”

“Warren profiles more as the pass catcher and security blanket for Rodgers, but his inefficiency around the goal line may have him giving up those valuable touches to Dowdle, who, despite a small sample size, was extremely effective.”

“Jaylen Warren is a favorite draft target in the seventh round based on ADP.”

“Jaylen Warren should be a target magnet for Aaron Rodgers and is more of an elite playmaker than the newly acquired Rico Dowdle.”

“They swapped in Rico Dowdle for Kenneth Gainwell, and the incoming running back is a better stylistic complement to incumbent Jaylen Warren.”

“Pat Fitzmaurice argued that Warren's pass-catching ability, pass protection skills, and overall versatility make him a strong fit for Pittsburgh's offense. If that role expands further, his current draft cost could become one of the better values at running back.”

“Warren is coming off a career year, but Dowdle handled 236 carries last season and was similarly effective, making this backfield harder to predict. Part of Warren's fantasy appeal is his receiving skill, but Dowdle is no slouch in that department. He caught 39 passes in back-to-back seasons while also rushing for 1,000 yards, something Warren hasn't done.”

“You can take your pick of this backfield between Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, who both finished as fantasy studs last season. My money is on Warren turning into a dud. Dowdle brings more competition for early-down work than Kenneth Gainwell did.”

“Warren has the type of pass-catching profile that ages a bit more gracefully than his "grinder" running back brethren. Since 2023, Warren has been in the top 10 among all running backs in yards per route run (YPRR). In addition to being the presumed early-down back, he is set up to also be the primary passing option out of the backfield this year for an aging Aaron Rodgers.”

“Warren is just flat out the better blocker and receiver, and Warren likely would have the better shot at RB1 upside in PPR.”

“Warren's pass-catching abilities (40 receptions, 333 yards, two TDs) make him uniquely suited to take the Gainwell role in Pittsburgh's scheme.”

“Warren also finished as the overall RB17 in full-PPR leagues last season despite sharing touches with Kenneth Gainwell, who has since signed with Tampa Bay.”

“Harvey is recovering from a torn labrum suffered in the playoff loss to the Patriots, but before then, he was the less impressive running back in the backfield. His best skill is as a pass catcher, and he could slide into a J.D. McKissic/Theo Riddick role as a pass-catching specialist, but the idea that he could take over the backfield is complete bunk.”

“Before he was forced to the sidelines with an injury, Dobbins averaged 16 touches and 81 yards per game, as well as five yards per attempt, subverting what many thought would be an RJ Harvey takeover year.”

“While RJ Harvey was the RB20 last season, averaging 12.2 PPR fantasy points per game, fantasy players couldn’t trust him for most of the season. He averaged five rushing attempts, 7.5 total touches and 10 fantasy points per game with J.K. Dobbins healthy.”

“Sticking with the running back position, I’m just not sure RJ Harvey is a back I’d be willing to trust. Last season, Harvey played 17 games and ran 146 times for 540 yards (3.7 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns. He also caught 47 passes for 356 yards and five touchdowns on 58 targets.”

“Most of his production came in the back half of the season when J.K. Dobbins was out with a knee injury. Through Week 10, Dobbins was healthy and dominated the backfield touches. Meanwhile, Harvey struggled to see the field and topped a 30% snap share just twice.”

“Normally, when a rookie running back scores double-digit touchdowns, catches nearly 50 passes, and totals almost 900 yards, he'd be soaring up draft boards. But that's not what happened with RJ Harvey, who's currently RB27 in PlayerProfiler's dynasty rankings.”

“RJ Harvey has seen a steady decline in dynasty value since the NFL Draft, where the Broncos selected Jonah Coleman in the fourth round. With J.K. Dobbins back and Coleman having one of the better production profiles in this class, it's tough to see a path where Harvey sees a ton of volume. This feels like a three-man committee by midseason, assuming all three stay healthy.”

“RJ Harvey now has to compete with the returning J.K. Dobbins and rookie Jonah Coleman in a running-back-by-committee approach, with Broncos beat reporters continuing to suggest that Dobbins is the lead back.”

“Harvey outperformed his average draft position (ADP), finishing as the RB19. Though he was largely eased into the first seven games of the season, by Week 8 his production started to take off, and he finished with double-digit touches in each of his last seven starts.”

“Harvey is a decent overall running back, but not a great runner (ranking 41st in juke rate and 65th in true yards per touch), instead getting his yardage through the air (ranking sixth in yards per route run and seventeenth in yards per reception).”

“Harvey is a dynamic receiver and big-play threat in space, but he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry and ranked near the bottom in yards after contact per attempt. When Dobbins was healthy, Harvey was clearly the change-of-pace back.”

“RJ Harvey is a major overpay on Sleeper. Drafters are grabbing him around pick 48 as a high-end RB2 with huge PPR upside, but his 83 ECR is much closer to reality. That 35-pick gap reflects a market that is buying upside over certainty.”