Broncos’ Harvey steals spotlight from firstround pick Jeanty in Week 14 win
Dec 07, 2025
LAS VEGAS — RJ Harvey stole the show from Ashton Jeanty.
The Broncos defeated the Raiders, 24-17, on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in a clash of rookie running backs. Las Vegas selected Jeanty at No. 6 overall (first round) out of Boise State. Denver picked Harvey at No. 60 overall (sec
ond round) from Central Florida.
Below is how they stacked up in Week 14 of the NFL season with the Broncos (11-2), winners of 10 straight, now in control of the No. 1 AFC playoff seed.
Harvey: 17 carries for 75 yards and one touchdown, plus six catches for 25 yards.
Jeanty: 10 carries for 30 yards, plus two catches for 8 yards.
Advantage, Harvey. He reached 100 yards from scrimmage with 26 touches, the highest workload of his short NFL career, as the lead running back with J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve (foot). Harvey rushed into the end zone from 3 yards for his ninth touchdown of the season — most among NFL rookies.
“It felt great,” Harvey said. “I’ve been working hard all throughout practice, ever since I got to the Broncos. A lot of you don’t see all the hard work I put in. I’m just going to keep getting better each and every week. … I had a pretty good workload in college, so I just got to get my body back used to getting those (number) of touches. I’ll be fine.”
Harvey showcased a do-it-all skill set that suggests he might thrive as an every-down NFL running back. He gained tough yards through contact multiple times on third downs to move the chains. He continued pass-catching success with a season-high in receptions (six). Harvey also helped protect as quarterback Bo Nix completed 81% of his passes.
“We’re going to need RJ Harvey at his best as we move forward into these very important football games here in December and beyond,” right tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “I’m really excited for him and what he’s been doing, because he seems to be coming into form and getting better every single week. He’s letting his talent fly, and we’re really excited for him and the success that he’s having. Because he’s playing hard.
“He did a little bit of everything today. It wasn’t just running the football. He ran it well, he caught it well, and he protected well in pass protection. So, RJ is coming along big time.”
Wide receiver Marvin Mims added: “RJ Harvey was a huge part of our offense today. Just getting the ball in his hands and letting him make plays.”
Denver dominated the time of possession — 39:03 to 20:57 — with Harvey playing a key role to melt the clock late.
“We just want to wear the defense down,” Harvey said. “The offensive line, the whole offense, I felt like we all did pretty good today. We are just going to keep getting better. We’re going to learn from our mistakes and get better and get ready for this next game against Green Bay.”
Coach Sean Payton said the Broncos found upside with Harvey as a receiver after drafting him more specifically as a runner. Harvey is not the most physically intimidating presence at 5-foot-8 and 205 pounds. But opposing defenses are beginning to learn his true potential.
“He’s growing up quick because of the injury to J.K.,” Payton said.
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