Jonah Coleman Fantasy Outlook Week 3 is suddenly red-hot after the Denver Broncos rookie took over the backfield in Week 2. If you are looking for a waiver wire running back, Coleman is the No.1 priority add this week.
The Broncos were without RB2 RJ Harvey (hamstring), who was ruled inactive before Sunday’s game. Then, starter J.K. Dobbins exited early in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. That left fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman (No. 108 overall pick from Washington) as the last man standing in Denver’s backfield.
Week 2 Final Line — Empower Field at Mile High
The Broncos defeated the Jaguars 20-13.
Season Stats Through Two Games
10 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD | 3 receptions, 19 yards
College Resume
Coleman recorded 552 rushing attempts for 3,052 yards (5.5 yards per carry) and 34 touchdowns, along with 87 receptions for 838 yards, during his college career at Washington and Arizona.
As USA Today noted:
“With J.K. Dobbins exiting early with an injury and RJ Harvey inactive, Coleman got a chance to shine.”
The publication identified Coleman as a top waiver-wire priority because of the significant upside created by Denver’s backfield injuries.
This backfield is banged up.
Head coach Sean Payton said both players are doing well and have a chance to return in Week 3, but their availability will depend on how they progress during practice.
Bottom line: Even if both players return, Coleman has earned a larger role in the Broncos’ backfield. If either Dobbins or Harvey misses Week 3, Coleman could have significant RB2/FLEX value.
Week 3: Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos — Sunday Night Football, Sept. 27, 8:20 p.m. ET, Empower Field at Mile High. The matchup will be televised nationally on NBC.
The Broncos-Rams matchup gives Coleman an important opportunity, but his fantasy value will ultimately depend on the availability of Dobbins and Harvey heading into Sunday night.
Roto Street Journal says: “If both RJ Harvey and the injury-prone J.K. Dobbins are out in Week 3, Coleman instantly becomes a plug-and-play start against the Rams.”
Verdict: YES — Priority Add, with RB3 value and RB2 upside in Week 3.
Why You Should ADD
1. Opportunity = Volume
Coleman tied J.K. Dobbins with 10 carries in Week 2 and finished with 13 total touches while playing 40% of Denver’s RB snaps. Even before Dobbins left the game, Coleman was already involved in the offense.
2. An Uncertain Broncos Backfield
Dobbins is dealing with a hamstring injury, while RJ Harvey also missed Week 2 with a hamstring issue. That uncertainty makes Coleman one of the most valuable handcuff options heading into Week 3. His workload could increase significantly if either back remains sidelined.
3. Growing Trust From Sean Payton
Coleman was trusted with important touches late against Jacksonville, including work during Denver’s fourth-quarter clock-killing drives. That late-game usage is encouraging for his potential role going forward.
4. Pass-Game Role
Coleman caught all three of his targets for 19 yards in Week 2. That receiving involvement gives him additional PPR value and provides a potential floor beyond his rushing workload.
Why You Should Be Cautious
Touchdown Wire has identified Coleman as a popular waiver-wire pickup but noted that his Week 3 fantasy outlook could change significantly depending on whether Dobbins and Harvey return. His 3.9 yards per carry in Week 2 also shows that his fantasy production was helped by his touchdown.
That makes Coleman more of a high-upside stash than an automatic RB2 start if the Broncos enter Week 3 with all three backs available.
Week 3 Projection if Dobbins + Harvey are OUT:
15 carries, 65 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 20 receiving yards, with a touchdown chance — roughly 16-18 PPR points.
Projection if one of Dobbins or Harvey returns:
8-10 touches, with FLEX value and roughly 7-10 PPR points.
A former Washington Huskies beat writer also highlighted the opportunity in front of Coleman after his Week 2 performance, noting that the rookie could be in position to take on a much larger role.
Bottom line: Coleman is worth a waiver-wire priority claim because his Week 3 value could rise sharply with another Broncos back sidelined. His combination of rushing opportunity, receiving work, and touchdown upside makes him an appealing stash even before Denver’s final injury designations are known.
FAB Bid: 10-12% of budget as lottery-ticket RB, 18-22% if you are desperate at RB or a Dobbins/Harvey manager.
Priority: #1 RB add over Tank Bigsby (Eagles), who is behind Saquon’s injury.
Final Call: Add Coleman in all 12-team leagues. Start him as FLEX/RB2 in Week 3 if Dobbins or Harvey is ruled out. Even if they play, he is an elite handcuff stash who could turn into an asset.
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