Denver's rookie RB exploded onto the scene, dominating fantasy boards and securing a crucial game-winning touchdown. See how he earned top honors.
Denver Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey has taken the NFL by storm after becoming his team's lead rusher in Week 11 and cementing himself as a top rookie in the league.
Harvey's ascension earned him the Fantasy Rookie of the Year honor from Yahoo Fantasy Sports. The AlumKnight ranks first among rookie running backs in fantasy points per game (15.3) and has had 10 or more fantasy points in five of his last six games.
The Broncos' 60th pick became the starter when his running mate, J.K. Dobbins, suffered an injury in Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Harvey has accumulated six touchdowns (five rushing and one receiving) and 474 yards (298 rushing and 176 receiving) since his promotion.
His increase in workload has led to some late-game heroics. Harvey caught the game-winning 1-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bo Nix for his team's 13th win last Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
"He was in the flat," Nix said. "They trailed him a little bit, but he was in the back of the end zone. He worked. It was a savvy move by him. You can tell he's been in my shoes before throwing, and he knows what it's like to find space. He's just a really savvy football player. He does things a lot that are sort of unteachable, that he has in his toolbox, and he'll do stuff like that all the time, that's just sort of football savvy, and it just worked to where he bought some time in the end zone and made a good catch."
Harvey's touchdown helped the Broncos clinch the AFC West with a 13-3 record. His coach, Sean Payton, has consistently praised his ability to operate as an extra receiver in the passing game.
"Man, he's got receiver skill sets," Payton said. "I'm sure it was a heck of a throw and catch. But to score seven, it greatly changes the dynamic with their kicker. You know the kicking game is like you're starting right at the 35 average. So it greatly changed the outcome of the game."
The UCF alum has become instrumental in his team's pursuit of a Super Bowl, frequently earning Rookie of the Week nominations and making history as a rookie. Harvey is the sixth player to have five or more rushing and receiving touchdowns in their rookie season.
Denver heads into Week 18 - the season's finale — against the Los Angeles Chargers, aiming to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Finishing as the 1st seed gives the Broncos a bye week in the playoffs, preserving key players, like Harvey and Nix.
But most importantly, Payton wants to reward the Broncos' fan base with a home playoff game.
"I don't know, it's been a while since they've hosted a playoff game," Payton said. "Certainly it's a fan base that deserves that opportunity, and I get excited for them, and I get excited for our team."