Dylan Sampson vs RJ Harvey: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. RJ Harvey (Denver Broncos) averaged 10.8 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Dylan Sampson (Cleveland Browns, 4.7 PPG) by 6.1 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 6.1-PPG gap gives RJ Harvey the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
RJ Harvey is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 47 targets into 356 yards, while Dylan Sampson profiles as a more traditional rusher with 175 rushing yards and undefined touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats RJ Harvey carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: Dylan Sampson is off Week 10 and RJ Harvey Week 14. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
