Broncos’ Sean Payton Vows Bigger Role for RJ Harvey Against Chiefs, signaling confidence in the young playmaker’s ability to spark the offense
The Denver Broncos enter Week 11 with momentum and heightened expectations, yet their preparation for the Kansas City Chiefs took on a new layer of intrigue after Sean Payton addressed the media on Wednesday afternoon. Payton’s comments signaled that adjustments are coming to the Broncos offense as the coaching staff looks to build on recent success and expand rookie running back RJ Harvey’s workload moving forward, beginning with a critical AFC divisional matchup with the Chiefs that carries significant playoff implications.
A video circulated Wednesday afternoon showing the 61-year-old coach outlining his approach headed into Sunday. Payton, now in his third season leading the Broncos, made it clear the rookie running back is set for a larger role. DNVR Sports’s Zac Stevens took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account, sharing the clip as it gained traction on social media, where it underscored a notable shift in Denver’s offensive planning.
“He’ll have more opportunities in this game. He’s built to last and that’s important”
The change comes at an important moment for the Broncos offense. Veteran running back J.K. Dobbins is dealing with a foot injury that was not considered serious at first but was later revealed to be more concerning following the Broncos’ 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10. His outlook grew cloudier on Wednesday when he was a non-participant in practice, and Sean Payton did not rule out placing him on injured reserve before the session. That uncertainty, combined with Harvey’s efficiency, has prompted Payton to accelerate the rookie’s workload. Through 10 games, Harvey has produced six touchdowns, 389 scrimmage yards, and 5.2 yards per touch despite averaging only 7.5 touches per contest.
The growing confidence in the former UCF Knights standout comes as the Broncos prepare for a Chiefs matchup that carries major AFC West implications. Denver enters at 8-2, riding a seven-game winning streak, while the Chiefs sit at 5-4 and are trying to regain ground. Payton’s commitment signals a strategic adjustment aimed at balancing the Broncos offense, easing pressure on quarterback Bo Nix, and creating mismatches with Harvey’s versatility.
Broncos bold predictions: J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey combined for over 150 rushing yards
The Broncos need Dobbins and Harvey to have a good game if they plan on beating the Chiefs.
Dobbins is Denver’s lead back, but the rookie Harvey is getting more involved each week. It may take a combined effort to get Denver a win this week.
Kansas City has a solid run defense unit. In fact, they’ve only allowed 104.6 rushing yards per game, which is 12th best in the NFL. They should offer some problems for Denver’s offense, but I still see Dobbins and Harvey gaining plenty of yards. After all, they play against Denver’s defense in practice, and they’re even better against the run.
Dobbins is quietly one of the most efficient runners in the NFL, averaging 5.0 yards per carry on 153 carries. His efficiency is what makes me most optimistic that he’ll have a good game. He may not get many good looks, but Dobbins will take full advantage of any opportunities.
I’m predicting that Dobbins and Harvey will combine for over 150 rushing yards.
I’ll make it even bolder and guarantee that Harvey will have at least one carry of 10+ yards.
Colts’ Rookie Named Player Who Will Break Out Rest Of Season
In a complete reverse of the 2024 season, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves tied for the best record in the league at 8-2. The team will likely be in the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season and could achieve the first seed in the conference for the first time in 16 years.
The Colts’ offense this season has been one of, if not the best, in the league. Signing Daniel Jones to be behind center was the right choice for the offense at a cheap deal of $14 million. Jonathan Taylor is having a historic season, putting his name in the Offensive Player of the Year and MVP award conversation. First round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tyler Warren, is a candidate to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Wide receivers Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman both have over 500 yards on the season.
Indy’s offense is averaging 32.1 points per game this season, the highest in the league. On the other side of the field, things look different.
While the D is holding up on its own, some holes still need to be filled, especially on the front 4, with an NFL analyst believing a rookie from the 2025 draft class can do just that.
Rookie Predicted To Step Up
GettyIndianapolis Colts EDGE rusher JT Tuimoloau
Indy has the sixth-most sacks in the league with 26, without a clear-cut threat on the defensive front. Second-year player Laiatu Latu has the most sacks on the team with five.
Indianapolis focused heavily on the defensive side of the ball during the offseason. The front office signed safety Camryn Bynum to a $60 million deal and cornerback Charvarius Ward to a $54 million contract to help a questionable secondary entering the 2025 season.
In the draft, the Colts used their second-round pick on Ohio State EDGE rusher JT Tuimoloau to help boost production from on the D-line, but he has not received an opportunity.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes Tuimoloau will break out in the latter half of the season and be the passing threat the Colts need.
“The Indianapolis Colts have had instant results from rookie first-round pick Tyler Warren. Now, it’s time for second-round pick JT Tuimoloau to step into the limelight,” Knox wrote. “In his four games since being a healthy Week 6 scratch, the former Ohio State edge-rusher has recorded four quarterback hits. He is still searching for his first NFL sack, but with Sauce Gardner now patrolling the secondary in Indy, he won’t be waiting long.”
JT Tuimoloau Lack Of Production
GettyJT Tuimoloau DE Ohio State
In his senior year with the Buckeyes, JT Tuimoloau recorded 12.5 sacks, his best collegiate season to date. But that hasn’t translated much to the professionals, as he has only five tackles and no sacks through 7 games for Indy.
The Colts D also has a pretty nice EDGE room, forcing the rookie to be at the bottom of the depth chart (defensive ends have half of the team’s total sacks).
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has mentioned that the team sometimes runs defensive tackle-heavy schemes and some weeks on the edge, which can explain the lack of opportunity for JT.
Two DEs have been hurt in the past couple of weeks and can allow Tuimoloau to receive an opportunity to shine.
