Who Should I Start? Brian Robinson Jr. or RJ Harvey

Monday, June 2, 5:42 PM

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury noted via the team's transcript last week that running back Brian Robinson Jr.'s focus this offseason has been "great." "Yeah, he's been really focused," said Kingsbury. "B-Rob's a guy who has played an incredibly high level....He knows what this year means to him and can mean to us when he plays at that level." The Commanders invested in their offense heavily this offseason -- fortifying their offensive front and the weapons around budding superstar Jayden Daniels. However, the running back room went essentially unchanged aside from the addition of seventh-round teammate Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Backfield mate Austin Ekeler will siphon away some touches, but the Alabama product should receive strong volume this season. It will be interesting to see how the team deploys Deebo Samuel Sr., but if he doesn't absorb too many carries, Robinson Jr. should provide decent value.

Thursday, July 17, 3:01 PM

Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey has agreed to his four-year rookie deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The rookie out of UCF is expected to have a meaningful role right away in Sean Payton's offense, which has been friendly for running back production in the past. The team used a second-round pick on the do-it-all weapon after many believed he was a potential Day-3 prospect, so that should give fantasy managers confidence in him despite the addition of veteran J.K. Dobbins. While Dobbins is likely to take some early-down work, he has a lengthy injury history and averaged just 3.8 yards per carry with the Los Angeles Chargers last year after Week 2. Meanwhile, Harvey is a high-level pass-catcher and should be viewed as the primary receiving back right away. Quarterback Bo Nix heavily targeted running backs in the passing game during his time at Oregon, and Payton has been known for involving his RBs in that aspect of the offense. Harvey is being drafted in the high-end RB3 range, but he has legitimate RB1 upside in PPR leagues if things break right.