On Sunday, Denver won a hard-fought game at home against Kansas City, but the excitement of rookie RJ Harvey fell short. Broncos fans and fantasy managers alike were expecting big things from the rookie’s first start with J.K. Dobbins on the shelf. In hindsight, maybe expectations against a strong Chiefs defense were a bit premature.

Harvey had shown flashes in limited use this season, but without leading man Dobbins on the field, the opportunity to show off why he was coach Sean Payton’s second-round draft pick (No. 60 overall) was there for the rookie to take center stage. Unfortunately, the reigning AFC champions were lying in wait and the 24-year-old was overmatched from the jump.

Harvey collected just 30 yards rushing on 11 carries (2.7 YPC) with a long of seven yards. He displayed more efficiency in the passing game, as he caught all three targets for 20 yards (6.7), but what unable to get into the painted area, neither by land nor air. In his defense, 14 touches does not a superstar make, and his 11 carries bested the 10 combined the other three ball-carriers accounted for. Jaleel McLaughlin led the group with 3.2 YPC and was the only back to score a touchdown.

Fantasy Lowdown: It was a big disappointment for fans of the team and Harvey’s fantasy managers. Better days will be ahead for the rookie, as Dobbins is set to miss the balance of the season. Harvey has two forgiving matchups (at Washington and Las Vegas) after the team’s bye, though his fantasy playoff schedule will be brutal: Green Bay, Jacksonville, @Chiefs.

Author: Samwise (@BuyAndSellYou)