J.K. Dobbins has demonstrated elite fantasy football potential when healthy, achieving a solid RB23 finish last season with the Los Angeles Chargers despite missing four games due to injury. Now entering the 2025 season with the Denver Broncos, his fantasy outlook shifts due to changes in team dynamics and competition for playing time.
During the previous year, Dobbins served as the primary running back for the Chargers, consistently finishing among the top 15 running backs on a weekly basis. This marked his most sustained period of health since 2020, which bodes well for his performance potential. However, his move to Denver introduces uncertainty given the Broncos’ draft of rookie running back RJ Harvey, signaling a possible shared backfield workload.
Assessing the Risks and Rewards of Drafting Dobbins This Season
The transition to a shared backfield with RJ Harvey lowers Dobbins’ floor compared to last year when he was the clear lead back. While his past performance indicates a high ceiling, the presence of a rookie contender for touches makes his overall workload less predictable. This split opportunity increases the risk associated with selecting him in fantasy drafts.
Despite this, Dobbins should not be dismissed outright. His reduced expectations may allow fantasy managers to acquire him in later rounds. Should Harvey struggle as a rookie, Dobbins has a viable path to reclaim a featured role in Denver’s offense, which could translate into significant fantasy value and make him a lucrative choice for those willing to take the chance.
Optimal Draft Position for Broncos Running Back J.K. Dobbins
Current rankings place Dobbins as the 114th overall player and the 40th-ranked running back in 2025 fantasy football drafts, according to Fantasy Pros. This positioning suggests he is best targeted around the tenth round, making him a strategic bench addition rather than a starter in most formats.
Tools like Sportskeeda’s Who Should I Draft recommend selecting Dobbins over other comparable veteran running backs such as Najee Harris and Rachaad White, all of whom face similar competition for touches. Among these options, Dobbins offers the highest upside, making him an attractive choice for drafters seeking value in later rounds.
Looking Ahead: What Dobbins’ Role Could Mean for Fantasy Managers
J.K. Dobbins’ move to Denver brings a more complicated fantasy picture but also opportunities. The shared backfield lowers his minimum projected output, yet his demonstrated ability to perform at a high level when healthy keeps his potential ceiling elevated. Fantasy managers who draft him late may benefit greatly if he secures a lead role during the season. Monitoring the Broncos’ backfield usage early in the 2025 season will be crucial for adjusting his value as the year progresses.