RJ Harvey vs Travis Etienne: Who Should You Start?
RJ Harvey and Travis Etienne are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. RJ Harvey averaged 10.8 PPG across 17 games with the Denver Broncos, while Travis Etienne posted 13.9 PPG in 17 appearances for the New Orleans Saints.
A 3.1-PPG gap gives Travis Etienne 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 Travis Etienne profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1107 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats RJ Harvey carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: RJ Harvey is off Week 14 and Travis Etienne Week 12. 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.
