Steelers’ Running Back Battle Impacts Fantasy Football & Betting Markets

As the NFL preseason heats up, Pittsburgh’s backfield battle is drawing serious attention from fantasy football managers and sports bettors alike. Rookie Kaleb Johnson is emerging as a potential game-changer, while veteran Jaylen Warren continues to raise questions about durability and production.

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Fantasy Football ADP: Kaleb Johnson vs. Jaylen Warren

In 2025 fantasy football drafts, Kaleb Johnson is being selected as RB27 (ADP 68), while Jaylen Warren lags behind at RB32 (ADP 85). That 17-pick difference could prove critical.

Warren, now entering his third NFL season, has yet to finish as an RB2 and continues to struggle with injuries. While some still believe in his PPR upside, his limited role and health concerns have prevented a true breakout.

Meanwhile, Johnson is a physical runner who appears positioned to take over the high-value goal-line carries in a run-first Pittsburgh offense.

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Kaleb Johnson: The Steelers’ Goal-Line Threat

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ identity hasn’t changed much—tough defense, cold-weather football, and pounding the rock. With Aaron Rodgers now at quarterback, Pittsburgh is likely to emphasize the run and short passing game to manage downs and control tempo.

That formula is tailor-made for Kaleb Johnson. The rookie profiles as the “smashmouth" goal-line back, and Rodgers isn’t known for scrambling near the red zone. That leaves Johnson as a potential touchdown leader in this backfield.

Betting Angle:

• Anytime TD scorer bets: Kaleb Johnson will have strong value early in the season.

• First TD scorer props: Target Johnson in favorable matchups, especially against soft defensive fronts.

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Why Jaylen Warren Still Carries Risk

Jaylen Warren continues to receive hype in fantasy circles, but the reality is troubling. He’s missed time in all three of his NFL seasons, has yet to produce weekly consistency, and has not delivered RB2 value.

Even if he handles some receiving work, Warren is unlikely to handle high-impact touches like goal-line carries or early-down volume. He may still flash, but he’s more of a change-of-pace back than a foundational piece for your fantasy roster or betting card.

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Broncos Backfield Breakdown: RJ Harvey vs. J.K. Dobbins

Switching over to Denver, another interesting situation is developing between RJ Harvey (RB21, ADP 55) and J.K. Dobbins (RB40, ADP 115). With a 60-pick gap in ADP, fantasy drafters clearly view Harvey as the lead back.

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RJ Harvey may fill the “Joker" role in Sean Payton’s system—a hybrid, all-purpose role that’s historically produced big-time fantasy value (think Alvin Kamara, Reggie Bush, etc).

Originally, Evan Engram was considered for this role, but reports now suggest Harvey may inherit it. If that’s the case, expect significant usage as a runner and receiver, especially with Bo Nix under center—who’s more likely to check down than air it out deep.

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J.K. Dobbins: Handcuff or Hidden Value?

J.K. Dobbins, once a promising breakout candidate, has struggled to stay healthy over multiple seasons. In Denver, he likely profiles as a depth option or insurance policy behind Harvey. While his ADP is appealing for zero-RB drafters, his fantasy ceiling remains capped without a Harvey injury.

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Final Takeaways: Fantasy Draft Strategy & Betting Picks

If you’re preparing for your fantasy football draft or looking for sports betting edges, here are the key takeaways:

• Draft Kaleb Johnson confidently—he’s the likely goal-line back in Pittsburgh and fits the team identity.

• Avoid overpaying for Jaylen Warren—injury history and lack of impact touches make him a risky RB3.

• Target RJ Harvey for upside—especially in PPR leagues and as a dark horse for receiving-based prop bets.

• Monitor J.K. Dobbins, but view him as a late-round flier or handcuff, not a primary investment.

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