Currently, "Najee Harris" is a popular search term with over 20,000+ searches, and for good reason. As one of the NFL's most promising young stars, Harris has been the subject of much discussion, particularly as we move into Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. Fantasy football managers, Steelers fans, and general NFL enthusiasts are all closely watching Harris’s performance given his role as the centerpiece of the Pittsburgh Steelers' rushing attack.
Who is Najee Harris?
Najee Harris is a professional football player currently serving as the starting running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Drafted in the first round (24th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris has quickly become a fan favorite and a key player for the Steelers. Known for his powerful running style, pass-catching ability, and work ethic, Harris was instrumental in his rookie season and has continued to be a focal point of the Steelers' offense.
Harris' performance in his first two seasons demonstrated his versatility as both a rusher and receiver, making him highly valuable not only to the Steelers but also to fantasy football players. His ability to deliver consistent yardage and touchdowns has made him a top pick in fantasy football drafts for 2024 as well.
Najee Harris in Week 2 – Steelers vs. Broncos
One of the reasons Najee Harris is currently trending is due to his role in the Steelers' Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos. According to the NFL Week 2 live updates, Justin Fields was the starting quarterback for the Steelers in this game due to Russell Wilson's ongoing absence. This change in quarterback dynamics may have impacted Harris's workload and overall performance.
Although detailed stats from Week 2 are still being analyzed, Harris's role remains crucial in any offensive strategy, particularly when a team is dealing with quarterback injuries or inconsistencies. With Russell Wilson inactive, the Steelers may have leaned more on their running game, putting Harris in a position to either thrive or struggle depending on how well the Broncos' defense adapted.
Fantasy Football Impact
For fantasy football players, Najee Harris has been a pivotal figure in their lineups, especially in PPR (Point Per Reception) leagues. The NFL Week 2 Recap by Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlights how player usage and stats are critical for fantasy football success. While Harris may not have posted the monster numbers some managers were hoping for in Week 2, his usage rate remains high, and his dual-threat capability makes him a valuable asset for the rest of the season.
Moreover, for those playing in PPR, half-PPR, or standard leagues, the Week 2 fantasy football rankings published by USA Today showcased Harris as one of the top running backs to watch for Week 2. His consistent role in the Steelers' offense has ranked him among the better RB options, even if his numbers aren’t as elite as some of the top-tier fantasy stars like Christian McCaffrey or Bijan Robinson.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As the 2024 NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on Harris to see whether he can elevate his performance and live up to the high expectations placed on him. The Steelers' offensive line has faced scrutiny, and Harris’s success could largely depend on how well this unit improves over the course of the season. Additionally, the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh remains fluid with Russell Wilson's injury, which could dictate how much of the offensive load Harris will need to carry.
Fantasy football managers should keep an eye on Harris's workload in upcoming games, especially as the Steelers face formidable defenses in future matchups. Given his track record and skill set, Najee Harris remains a reliable RB1 or RB2 option, particularly in PPR and half-PPR leagues where his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds extra value.
Conclusion
Najee Harris is trending for several reasons, from his role in the Steelers' offense to his importance in fantasy football lineups for the 2024 season. As the NFL season moves forward, Harris will continue to be a central figure in the discussions surrounding the Steelers' success and fantasy football outcomes. His Week 2 performance, while not yet fully analyzed, is just a part of the larger narrative of his season-long potential.
Whether you're a Steelers fan or a fantasy football enthusiast, keeping tabs on Harris is essential as he seeks to solidify his status as one of the league's best young running backs.