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Najee Harris 2024 Outlook: Primed For Heavy Workload In New-Look Offense
7 months agoNajee Harris got off to a slow start in the 2023 campaign but finished strong and managed to rush for 1,000 yards for a third consecutive season. Splitting touches with Jaylen Warren was not ideal for his fantasy value, especially in a Pittsburgh Steelers offense that scored the fifth-fewest points in the league. The Steelers will look completely different in 2024, however. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith failed as a head coach in Atlanta, but the Falcons boasted a successful rushing attack over the past two seasons, as did the Tennessee Titans with Smith as their OC in 2019 and 2020. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields highlight Pittsburgh's new additions at quarterback, with Wilson expected to be the Week 1 starter. The former Super Bowl champion, while not the player he once was, should be expected to lead Harris and the Steelers to more scoring opportunities than Kenny Pickett last year. Additionally, Pittsburgh spent three of its first five selections in April's NFL Draft on offensive linemen, further emphasizing its desire to establish the run. With the Steelers declining Harris' fifth-year option, the 26-year-old will be playing for a contract this season in what projects to be an improved offense. Harris currently represents a solid value as an RB2 in the seventh round of fantasy drafts.
