Najee Harris Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Harris produced a near-exact match to his 2023 fantasy production last season. He averaged 11.0 half-PPR points per game, compared with 10.8 the year before.

He ranked 20th among RBs in total half-PPR points; 27th in points per game.

Harris cracked the top 12 three times, with a high point of RB3 in Week 12 and the final outing not coming until Week 18. He also ranked 30th or lower among half-PPR backs seven times.

Usage & Role

Harris actually saw his carries per game and receptions per game rebound some in his final Pittsburgh season:

• From 15.0 carries in 2023 to 15.5
• 1.7 receptions to 2.1

Each rate still fell short of his first two seasons, despite the assistance of Jaylen Warren dealing with multiple injuries – especially early. But Harris did rank 11th in the league in carries per game – a mere 20th in rushing yards per game, however.

Efficiency Metrics

Harris’ rushing efficiency lined up with his previous seasons. He ranked just 32nd in yards after contact per attempt among 49 RBs with 90+ carries, according to Pro Football Focus.

He checked a more solid 19th in avoided tackles per attempt. Harris also landed 16th in elusive rating – but just 30th in rush yards over expected per attempt.

Offensive Context

Harris reclaimed some rushing and receiving from Warren vs. their 2023 shares, aided by Warren’s aforementioned injuries. His Steelers also produced the league’s fourth-most running plays and the fifth-lowest neutral pass rate.

Historical Production & Trends

Here’s how Harris ranked among half-PPR scorers before last season:

• 21st in total points in 2023; 29th in points per game
• 14th and 19th in 2022
• Fourth and ninth in 2021

Things trended the same way in other formats, as Harris ceded work to Warren.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Harris has always been a sturdy player, missing nary a game since he entered the league and ranking second in carries since 2021. He trails only Derrick Henry.

But Harris could manage only a one-year, $5.25 million contract in free agency ahead of his age-27 season. That followed a four-year span in which Warren siphoned work. And now he’ll share a backfield with a bigger talent.

We’ll have to watch through the summer to see just how Chargers coaches want to divvy work between their top two RBs – both of whom they clearly view more highly than last year’s options (otherwise J.K. Dobbins would be back).

Omarion Hampton’s talent, college workloads, and first-round draft capital make him the easy bet to lead this backfield in fantasy scoring, though.

Supporting Cast

The Chargers have worked to improve the offensive line since HC Jim Harbaugh took over last year. They drafted RT Joe Alt in 2024’s first round and signed G Mekhi Becton in free agency this offseason.

The team climbed from 30th in adjusted line yards in 2023 to 23rd last season, and from 32nd in PFF run-blocking grade each of the previous two years to 21st in 2024.

So even though the blocking rated below average last season, it appears to be trending up.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

We’ve seen 11 NFL seasons of Greg Roman as an OC, five of those under Harbaugh. That sample has delivered a 49.5% run rate overall, with seven seasons of 50% rushing or more.

Last year’s Chargers swung the other way, producing the league’s second-highest neutral passing rate from Week 6 on – after the bye and early-season foot/ankle issues for QB Justin Herbert.

We’ll see exactly how the run-pass split works out this year. But history – and the Hampton pick – say you should bet on plenty of rushing volume.