Fantasy Football / NFL

If you're looking to add some running back depth before the fantasy playoffs, Jonah Coleman should be on your shopping list. He may already be rostered in your league, especially if you're playing with people who actually check the injury report. I'd still make the trade call. There's a chance to buy him before a bigger role in Denver becomes obvious to everyone.

The Broncos have placed RJ Harvey on injured reserve with a knee injury, meaning he'll miss at least the next four games. That gives Coleman an extended opportunity to work his way ahead of J.K. Dobbins. After what we saw in Arizona, I'm interested.

The workload is already worth watching

In his first game back from his own stint on IR, Coleman led Denver with nine carries for 54 yards and added two catches for 15 yards. Dobbins finished with six carries for 23 yards. Coleman didn't need a touchdown to get our attention, either. He just needed the ball.

Dobbins is averaging only 3.4 yards per attempt this season, with 293 yards on 87 carries. Coleman is at 4.9 on 19 attempts. That's a small sample, but his return gave Denver a reason to keep looking his way. The chart below shows how the carries have been divided so far, including the four games Coleman missed.

Harvey's absence also opens up work in the passing game. He has 25 receptions this season, while Coleman caught both of his targets last week. Those catches could make a real difference in half-PPR leagues if Coleman earns a larger share. I'll be watching who handles passing downs along with the rushing attempts.

Make the offer before the price catches up

In a competitive league, I'd expect Coleman to have been picked up already. The buy-low angle is paying for a promising flex while there's still uncertainty about his role. Start a conversation around an expendable WR3 or another bench piece with a less direct path to touches. The price will depend on the other manager's needs, and I wouldn't pay an established RB2 price for him yet.

There are reasons to keep that offer reasonable. Nine carries still leaves plenty of work to be claimed. Dobbins scored a rushing touchdown against Arizona, so Coleman hasn't locked up the valuable scoring opportunities. Harvey could return later in the season, and Denver could still add competition. One good game back doesn't settle all of that.

Could Coleman become an RB2 going forward? Yes, and I'd rather make an offer while the job is still up for grabs. More consistent carries, some receiving work and a bigger share near the goal line would give him a believable path there. If another manager is willing to sell at a flex price, this is a good time to bolster your depth before Coleman potentially takes over the top spot in Denver.

See my Week 8 rankings for this week's lineup decisions.