Who Should I Start? J.K. Dobbins or Breece Hall

Saturday, August 16, 11:27 PM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins could be in line to earn the starting running back job ahead of Week 1. Head coach Sean Payton said that the Broncos' starters would not play in their second preseason game. R.J. Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin both played, while Dobbins suited up but did not see the field. Assuming Payton's declaration about his starters was accurate, Dobbins would be in line to start Week 1. Despite the Broncos drafting Harvey in the second round, we shouldn't be too shocked that the job is Dobbins' to lose. Denver specifically went out and signed him in early June, giving him a $5.25 million contract that was likely reflective of his expected role in the offense. The veteran running back exceeded expectations last year with the Los Angeles Chargers, totaling 1,058 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns through 13 games. He was the overall RB23 in half-PPR leagues despite missing four contests, and he ranked 17th in fantasy points on a per-game basis. With Denver's offense expected to be productive and consistently operate with a positive game script this year, Dobbins should continue to deliver results for fantasy managers. Harvey does pose a threat to steal touches, but the 26-year-old remains a strong fantasy option. He enters the year as a mid-range RB3/FLEX play.

Sunday, August 17, 2:46 AM

New York Jets running back Breece Hall rushed for 26 yards on seven carries in his team's 31-12 loss to the New York Giants on Saturday. He failed to bring in his only target. Hall saw the team's first carry two plays into their opening possession, but was immediately relieved for backfield mate Braelon Allen on the next play from scrimmage. Allen was promptly stuffed for no gain on third-and-short, but remained on the field as the offense went for it on fourth down. The duo split pretty evenly for the next two series, with Hall out-touching him 7-to-4, though Allen notably operated in short-yardage situations. Whether that was the plan or a coincidence is unclear, but it's undoubtedly concerning for Hall's touchdown upside, as it leaves the door open for Allen to vulture him in those instances. Whatever the split, it seems these two are fated to cannibalize each other this season in the Jets' rushing attack. With the added threat of quarterback Justin Fields around the goal line, this backfield could be a source of headaches for fantasy managers. The Iowa State product will get one more preseason opportunity to make his case to be the lead back when New York squares off against the Philadelphia Eagles next Friday.