As fantasy football analysts gear up for the 2026 season, two running backs dominate early conversation: Blake Corum of the Los Angeles Rams and RJ Harvey of the Denver Broncos. Both are projected to be selected in the middle‑to‑late rounds of drafts, but their outlooks diverge sharply.
Corum entered his third year with a pronounced uptick in production, finishing the 2025 campaign with 746 rushing yards and six touchdowns. His efficiency surged, averaging 5.1 yards per carry compared to a modest 207 yards and no scores in 2024, signaling a clear upward trajectory.
The Rams’ backfield, however, remains crowded. Kyren Williams, who logged 1,252 yards and 13 total touchdowns in 2025 and finished as RB9 in PPR formats, is expected to retain the primary workload. Analysts note that Corum’s fantasy ceiling could break into the top ten if Williams were to miss time.
Harvey’s rookie year with the Broncos was marred by inconsistency, as he failed to surpass 80 rushing yards in any single game. Nevertheless, he closed the season on a high note, scoring a touchdown in each of the final four weeks, from Week 13 through Week 16.
The Broncos’ situation adds another layer of uncertainty. With J.K. Dobbins expected to return to full health in 2026, Harvey’s already tenuous role may shrink further, limiting his fantasy relevance despite the late‑season spark.
What the Numbers Say
Corum’s 2025 stats read 746 yards on 146 carries, yielding a 5.1 yards‑per‑carry average, while Harvey managed just 112 yards on 30 attempts before his late‑season touchdowns. Both players are projected to be drafted after the top 30 running backs, but Corum’s higher upside justifies his slightly better ranking.
The contrast highlights how backfield composition, not just individual talent, drives fantasy value. For owners, targeting Corum in the middle rounds could pay dividends if Williams’ workload fluctuates, whereas Harvey should be approached with a late‑round, high‑risk mindset.