By Jeremy
RJ Harvey’s absence changes the shape of Denver’s offense for Sunday’s game against Kansas City. The Broncos ruled out the running back with a knee injury, removing one of Bo Nix’s most productive receiving options. For the Chiefs, that creates an opportunity to tighten coverage—but only if they resist the temptation to treat every remaining backfield touch as predictable.
Make Nix work beyond his easy outlet
Harvey has caught 25 passes for 217 yards this season, production that makes him more than an occasional checkdown target. Without him, Kansas City can be less concerned about a back slipping into space for a catch-and-run. That may give the Chiefs more freedom to contest short throws and put pressure on Nix’s first read.
The adjustment should be measured, though. Nix can still find tight end Evan Engram underneath, and Denver can use quick throws to keep a pass rush from getting home. Kansas City’s defenders need to communicate through motion, tackle promptly and avoid surrendering an easy completion simply because Harvey is unavailable.
Dobbins and Coleman keep the run threat real
J.K. Dobbins remains Denver’s leading rusher, while rookie Jonah Coleman gives the Broncos another option. Coleman returned to game action last week and ran for 54 yards against Arizona. Neither has matched Harvey’s receiving production, but that does not make their snaps a signal for the Chiefs to abandon coverage discipline.
Denver could lean on Dobbins to stay ahead of the chains, then use Coleman to change the pace. Kansas City’s front has to handle those runs without allowing Nix room to escape when a play breaks down. If the Chiefs overcommit to the backfield, they risk opening passing lanes behind the linebackers. If they play too cautiously, Denver can keep handing the ball off.
Win the down before chasing the big play
Harvey being out gives Kansas City one fewer matchup to solve, not a shortcut to stopping Denver. The sound approach is to contain the run on early downs, challenge Nix’s short passing options and force him into longer, less comfortable situations. For Chiefs fans, that is the encouraging part of the injury news: the defense has a chance to narrow Denver’s choices. It still has to earn that advantage one down at a time.