Who Should I Start? Chase Brown or RJ Harvey

Thursday, October 16, 10:20 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has been a major disappointment in the 2025 season. After a breakout campaign in 2024, Brown has managed just 304 scrimmage yards and one touchdown through six games. The third year back is averaging only 2.7 yards per carry, with just 1.2 yards before contact (last among qualified RBs) and 1.5 yards after contact (fourth worst). The injury to quarterback Joe Burrow has severely limited the Bengals' offense, and Brown has struggled to find any rhythm on the ground. His Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers won't make things any easier, as they have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Unless Brown sees a spike in receiving volume, it's hard to justify starting him in any fantasy format this week. Consider Brown a desperate flex option at best in Week 7.

Saturday, October 4, 9:16 AM

Denver Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey was able to earn a season-best 41% of snaps in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, this was due to replacing J.K. Dobbins for the majority of the 4th quarter in a blowout win. The rookie running back will look to carve out a role against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. While Harvey will increasingly develop confidence in the coaching staff and through his own experience on the field, it's likely that, barring an injury to Dobbins, he will continue to be a change-of-pace back in closer games. The explosive rookie is developing some standalone value as a flex starter. Still, Dobbins' strong performances might continue to hold him back from reaching his actual ceiling as a talented 2nd round pick. Harvey is considered a solid FLEX play and is currently RB34 in the latest RotoBaller Week 5 rankings.