Steelers vs Bills: Top 5 bold predictions for Week 1 matchup

Steelers Harris is efficient, not effective

To no one’s surprise this offseason, the Steelers invested their first-round pick in Najee Harris in hopes that he can fix their running game. While he is a huge upgrade in the backfield, it did come at the expense of not addressing the offensive line as heavily.

Now, the league will see a true test of which is more important to a rushing attack, a good back or a good line. Both are integral, yes, but the team is expecting Harris to find success despite having an underwhelming line in front of them.

Similarly, to the defense, I in no way think that Harris will fail in this Week 1 matchup. That said, I can’t see him being a huge contributor. While the team will want to feed him early and often, if they are behind on the scoreboard early, it will be hard to justify giving him the ball a lot. Instead, he will likely be the focus of short passes and using him to move the chains in short-yardage situations.

I expect Harris to do well in short-yardage, as he moves the chains five of the six times he tries is counted on. As well, he scores his first touchdown late in the fourth on a fourth and goal dive. While his efficiency numbers look great, he fails to total 100 total yards and averaged a paltry 3.1 yards per carry. While Harris should have a fine rookie year, don’t be surprised to see him struggle early as this line needs some time to develop together.