Running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren appear set for heavy usage tonight, as the Pittsburgh Steelers are in Cleveland for a tough AFC North rivalry game in tricky weather conditions. NWS Cleveland has issued a weather warning and Thursday Night Football sees the potential for bad weather, including snow.
This means it might be a night to fade QB Russell Wilson, but it could bode well for RBs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Given the weather and the Browns’ poor defensive form (allowing 86 points in the last three games), both Pittsburgh running backs project to be good starts tonight, with Harris getting the preferential nod as the Steelers RB1.
The Browns defense is 24th against the run in 2024, allowing 131.7 yards per game and 14 total rushing TDs. While Harris looks set for a high-volume game, Jaylen Warren should get plenty of touches and looks to have great RB2/flex value.
Najee Harris’ points range: 8-23; Prediction: 16.50 (HPPR)
Jaylen Warren’s points range: 6-20; Prediction 12.50 (HPPR)
How have Najee Harris & Jaylen Warren fared against the Browns?
In six games versus Cleveland, Najee Harris has accumulated 493 yards and 4 TDs, averaging 82.2 yards and 0.7 TDs per game. He seems likely to go over 82 yards in what projects to be a run-heavy matchup and is the likeliest Steeler to get into the endzone tonight.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren has played four games against the Browns, going for 215 yards and a TD at an average of 53.8 ypg and 0.3 TD pg. It feels like Warren will see enough volume tonight to pass his averages, and he could well be set for his first TD in 2024.