How will Steelers injuries affect Najee Harris’ fantasy performance?
Najee Harris has been one of the most anticipated rookies in fantasy football since Saquon Barkley. When will the Steelers rushing attack produce for fantasy football owners?
The Pittsburgh Steelers franchise has always benefited from a powerful running game. In 1979, the Pittsburgh offense rushed for 2,603 total yards. The team’s leading rusher was Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris.
His performance in 1979 helped the Steelers collect their third Vince Lombardi trophy. With the recent news of Ben Roethlisberger’s pec injury, the Steelers will now rely more on their rushing offense.
Fantasy football owners should finally begin to the benefits of rostering Najee Harris pay off.
When the 2020 NFL season came to an end, the Pittsburgh front office and their former running back James Connor parted ways. Connor served as a versatile option out of the backfield but failed to provide the durability needed for the team’s offense.
The Steelers had hopes of finding a finding back that fit their scheme in the 2021 NFL Draft.
When the front office noticed that Najee Harris was slipping lower on the board, they reacted quickly. The Steelers drafted Harris with hopes that he would transfer his college successes to the Steelers history books.
Najee Harris is known to produce on the football field. His career at the University of Alabama has led many to believe that he is the real deal. Harris played fifty-one games for the Alabama Crimson Tide. His 4624 yards from scrimmage and 57 touchdowns proved that he could be used effectively as a complete running back.
More points for Steelers RB this week?
The Steelers have a few problems to solve on the offensive side of the football. According to ESPN.com, Pittsburgh’s offense has been ranked the 28th best in the National Football League. Out of the thirty-two teams in the league, the Steelers have the worst rushing offense.
The teams rushing performance has been impacting a large majority of the fantasy football population. According to ESPN.com, Najee Harris is currently rostered on 99.8% of fantasy football teams. His 12.5 points per game average have left fantasy owners questioning if he deserves a consistent starting spot on their roster.
🔶 Najee Harris is currently averaging 12.5 ppl via @espn
— Loyal Ricks Jr. (@LoyalJRicksJr) September 21, 2021
🔹 99.8% rostered
🔸 22nd Position Rank
With Ben Roethlisberger listed as questionable, you would think his ppg average would increase. The #Steelers should be looking to establish the run.
🔹 19.1 points vs. Raiders
The news of Ben Roethlisberger’s left pec injury has sent the Steeler Nation in a frenzy. After suffering from a loss at the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders last week, the Steelers are desperate for a win. Mike Tomlin and Matt Canada both understand that now more than ever is the time to return to the basics.
With Ben Roethlisberger listed as questionable for Sunday, the team must be ready to adjust to anything. Steelers fans could see Dwayne Haskins Jr. take the field on Sunday. Even if Big Ben plays through his injury, the Steelers will be looking to perform low-risk play calls to win the game.
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Pittsburgh must be able to use Najee Harris in the running game in order to survive these upcoming weeks. As a result, fantasy owners will finally be able to see the rewards of having Najee Harris on their roster.