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Broncos Rookie RJ Harvey Makes Franchise History in Win Over Chiefs

RJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)

RJ Harvey’s rookie season continues to climb into rare air. 

Thursday’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs gave the Denver Broncos another reminder that they may have found a long-term difference-maker in their backfield. 

According to Underdog NFL, Harvey became one of just a handful of running backs in league history to post five or more rushing touchdowns and five or more receiving touchdowns as a rookie. 

He joins a list of names like Alvin Kamara, Gale Sayers, Charley Taylor, and Doak Walker. 

The list underscores just how uncommon Harvey’s dual-threat production has been this season. 

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Adding to that milestone, DNVR’s Zac Stevens noted that Harvey is the first rookie in Broncos franchise history to record a rushing or receiving touchdown in five straight games. 

This has further cemented his place in Broncos franchise history. 

Quarterback Bo Nix made sure to spread the credit afterward, praising Harvey’s instincts and football IQ. 

“You can tell he’s been in my shoes before throwing,” Nix said. 

He called the rookie “a really savvy football player” who consistently understands spacing and timing within the offense. 


Harvey’s Rise Since Dobbins’ Injury

Harvey’s breakout has been especially pronounced since the injury to J.K. Dobbins reshaped Denver’s backfield. 

Since taking over the backfield, Harvey has been both dependable and dynamic, impacting the game as a runner and receiver.

Over that stretch, Harvey has become one of the most productive backs in football. 

He ranks as fantasy football’s RB6 since Dobbins went down. 

His production has been easy to trust each week because he affects the game in so many areas. 

From early-down carries to goal-line touches and catches out of the backfield, Harvey has helped keep the offense balanced. 

In the last five games, Harvey has six touchdowns and 18 catches. 

Beyond the numbers, his big-play ability has stood out. 

Harvey has had crucial big runs at times including a 38-yard touchdown against the Jaguars. 

Harvey has consistently turned short passes into big gains and also has been a key factor in pass protection. 


A Signature Performance Against Kansas City

That trust in Harvey was on full display against the Chiefs, particularly in the fourth quarter. 

As the game got close down the stretch, Denver repeatedly put the ball in his hands. 

The coaching staff is confident he could make the right read or force the defense into mistakes.

One of the most pivotal moments came when Harvey’s alignment and movement helped draw star defensive tackle Chris Jones offside. 

This was a key play that extended the game-winning touchdown drive. 

Plays like that don’t show up in the box score, but they highlight why Harvey has earned the coaching staff’s confidence. 

The game ended with Harvey catching the game-winning touchdown, sealing the win and capping off a historic day. 

The performance was another sign that Harvey isn’t just flashing potential, but establishing himself as a core piece for the Broncos going forward.

🔥 FROM JACKSONVILLE ICON TO IMMORTAL: Jimmy Smith Enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cementing a Legacy That Defined an Era
Jacksonville, Florida – January , 2026 – Jimmy Smith’s name is now forever etched among football’s immortals. The legendary wide receiver of the Jacksonville Jaguars has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — a moment Jaguars fans have long awaited. For a franchise that was still building its identity, Smith’s induction is more than just a personal achievement. It’s the recognition of a player who reshaped Jacksonville’s passing offense and became a symbol of consistency and excellence throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Smith’s career was never about the spotlight — it was about impact. Drafted in 1995, Smith entered a Jaguars team that was on the rise, searching for its place in the NFL. What followed was one of the most productive and consistent careers in franchise history. Over his 11 seasons in Jacksonville, Smith became the team’s all-time leader in receptions (862), yards (12,287), and touchdowns (67), all while playing for a small-market team that was often overlooked. But the numbers tell only part of the story. Smith embodied the heart of Jacksonville’s offense during the Tom Coughlin era. He was a true game-changer — a reliable, versatile receiver who could do it all. Whether it was a quick slant or a deep route down the sideline, Smith had the ability to make plays that put the Jaguars’ offense on the map. He consistently delivered in clutch moments and established himself as one of the premier wide receivers of the 1990s and 2000s. “Jimmy was the guy who made everything click,” a former teammate once said. “You knew if you needed a big play, Jimmy would come through.” Smith’s career was also marked by his perseverance and consistency. A 5-time Pro Bowler (1996-2000), he was consistently among the league’s best. In fact, during his prime, he ranked second in receptions and first in yards in the 1990s and 2000s, trailing only Marvin Harrison. His impact on the Jaguars’ passing game cannot be overstated — he helped define the team’s offensive identity during the franchise’s formative years. Although Smith was a nominee and semifinalist for the Hall of Fame in 2026, his induction was long overdue. Playing in a small-market city like Jacksonville meant he wasn’t always in the national spotlight, but his on-field achievements and consistent production spoke for themselves. Smith was one of the most underrated wide receivers of his generation and a key part of Jacksonville’s early success. For Jacksonville, Smith’s induction carries profound significance. Before the team had its modern-day stars, Jimmy Smith was the face of the Jaguars’ offense. He represented hard work, dedication, and the ability to perform at the highest level, even when the world wasn’t always paying attention. As Jimmy Smith takes his rightful place in Canton, his legacy is undeniable. He wasn’t part of a dynasty, but he was one of the most respected, consistent, and feared wide receivers the game has ever seen. Jimmy Smith didn’t just play football.He redefined it. And now, his name lives forever — exactly where it belongs.