RJ Harvey Could Be the X-Factor in Broncos-Bills Divisional Showdown
The Denver Broncos have quietly unearthed a gem in rookie running back RJ Harvey, and as they head into their Divisional Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills, he might just be the difference-maker nobody saw coming.
While much of the national conversation has focused on bigger names and flashier offenses, Harvey has been steadily turning heads with his versatility, explosiveness, and football IQ-all traits that could come into sharp focus against a Buffalo defense that has struggled to stop the run all season.
A Rookie Season Worth Noticing
Let’s start with the numbers: 540 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 47 receptions for 356 yards, and 5 more scores through the air. That’s 12 total touchdowns-nearly a third of Denver’s offensive output this season.
In fact, Harvey leads the team in total touchdowns, even with J.K. Dobbins (772 rushing yards) holding the top spot in rushing yards before landing on injured reserve.
Harvey’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s not just a change-of-pace back or a gadget player-he’s become a legitimate offensive weapon. Whether it's slicing through the edge on an outside zone or slipping into the slot and catching a touchdown like a seasoned wideout, Harvey has shown he can do a little bit of everything.
We saw that burst in the Cowboys game when he housed a 40-yard run untouched. We’ve seen his route-running and hands on display with five receiving touchdowns, including a 27-yard strike against the Texans and a crucial end-zone grab against the Chiefs.
On that play, quarterback Bo Nix credited Harvey’s football instincts, saying, “He is a really savvy football player. He does things a lot that are unteachable...
It just worked where he bought some time in the end zone and made a good catch.”
That’s the kind of trust you don’t often see between a rookie quarterback and a rookie running back. But Harvey isn’t playing like a rookie-he’s playing like a guy who’s been here before.
A Matchup Made for Harvey
The Bills’ defense has been vulnerable on the ground all season, particularly on outside runs. They rank 25th in the league in defending outside zone plays, surrendering over five yards per carry. That’s a glaring weakness-and one the Broncos are uniquely positioned to exploit.
Denver, under Sean Payton, has become one of the most effective teams running outside zone. They rank 5th in the NFL in that category, averaging 5.3 yards per carry.
Since Week 10-when Dobbins went down and Harvey took on a larger role-the Broncos have ranked 3rd in the league in overall rushing success rate. That’s a metric that measures how often a run keeps the offense on schedule: 40% of needed yards on first down, 60% on second, and 100% on third.
That surge isn’t just a coincidence. It’s been driven largely by Harvey, with some help from Jaleel McLaughlin.
And it doesn’t even include Bo Nix’s contributions on the ground. The Broncos have leaned into the run game, and it’s working.
Now consider this: the Bills are 28th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (128.6), and they’ve given up 24 rushing touchdowns-second-most in the league. That’s a bad combination when facing a team that’s heating up on the ground.
Why Harvey Matters Today
Harvey’s 5’8” frame might not scream power back, but his low center of gravity and quick acceleration make him a nightmare in space. He’s built for outside zone runs, where vision and burst are more important than sheer size. If Denver can get him into the open field, he’s got the speed to turn medium gains into game-changing plays.
One explosive run from Harvey could flip the momentum or put points on the board in a hurry. And in a playoff setting, where every possession matters and field position can swing the outcome, that kind of playmaking ability is invaluable.
There’s also the element of unpredictability. Harvey’s ability to line up as a receiver, catch passes downfield, and beat linebackers in coverage gives the Broncos an added layer of versatility. That forces Buffalo to account for him on every snap, which can open things up for the rest of the offense.
The Bottom Line
This game may come down to the trenches, and if Denver can establish the run early, they’ll be in a strong position to control the tempo. That means keeping Josh Allen and the Bills offense off the field, limiting mistakes, and leaning on what’s worked for them down the stretch.
Enter RJ Harvey.
He’s been the unsung hero of Denver’s late-season surge, and now he has a chance to introduce himself to a national audience. If he gets going-especially on the edge-he could be the X-factor that tips the balance in the Broncos’ favor.
Don’t be surprised if, by the end of the night, everyone’s talking about the rookie who helped run Denver into the AFC Championship Game.