Pittsburgh Steelers fans hope 2024 brings a change in their offensive fortunes, and Najee Harris will play a huge role as their starting running back. The Steelers have been one of the NFL’s lowest-scoring offenses since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement and have been a hard watch for fans and neutrals alike.
Kenny Pickett was clearly drafted way too early in 2022, and with the Steelers cutting ties and signing Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, it’s impossible to argue that they haven’t upgraded at quarterback. With a new offensive coordinator (Arthur Smith) and a more expansive playbook, there’s good reason for positivity in Pittsburgh.
Najee Harris has been fantasy-relevant since he was drafted 24th in 2021 and will continue to be so this season, regardless of the emergence of Jaylen Warren. These two backs had very different roles last campaign, with Harris getting the early downs and short-yardage, while Warren got the third and longs and passing situations. This should continue in 2024.
Najee Harris has broken 1,000 yards in all three of his NFL seasons, and if the Steelers are a better offense this season, he could be in for a big year. That said, he shouldn’t be targeted in the first round, as he looks to be an RB2 in fantasy football, albeit one with RB1 potential if Pittsburgh uses him properly. Harris should be available in the third or fourth rounds of fantasy drafts, but the third feels like a slight reach, so the fourth feels like a fair place to take him.
Najee Harris’ 2024 NFL fantasy outlook: What numbers to expect from the Steelers RB?
Given that Najee Harris always breaks 1,000 yards rushing, that is the baseline for 2024 if he stays injury-free. Harris has 3,269 yards and 22 TDs across his three campaigns, adding another 866 yards and 6 TDs through the air.
In 2023, Harris recorded 1,035 yards and 8 TDs, along with 170 receiving yards. These are solid numbers, especially as the Steelers were a dormant offense for much of every game throughout the season and Harris took a while to get going.
It feels like better days are coming in Pittsburgh, but Jaylen Warren could eat into Harris’ numbers, especially in the passing game. With that in mind, 1,100 yards and 9 TDs seems a reasonable projection, with around 150-200 yards through the air.
Other fantasy outlooks for running backs: Bijan Robinson, Derrick Henry, Aaron Jones & Josh Jacobs.