As we close in toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move, with key events like free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft still to come. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of RB Najee Harris.
Najee Harris’ Dynasty Outlook and Value
After leading the NFL in touches as a rookie and finishing third in PPR scoring, Harris was always in line for some regression in 2022. I was down on him compared to the consensus, and for the beginning portion of the year, he was one of the biggest disappointments from the early rounds of fantasy drafts.
Between Weeks 1-8, Harris was the RB23 and 29th in points per game at 10.9 (PPR). The Steelers offense was struggling mightily and sat at 2-6 prior to their bye.
But then things changed, and the team found a more efficient and productive offense over the back half of the season. They turned their record around from 3-7 in Week 11 all the way to 9-8 to close up the year. At the center of this change was Harris.
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From Weeks 10-17, Harris was the RB8 overall and ninth in points per game with 15.3 (PPR). He was tied for second in rushing attempts (141) and averaged 20.6 opportunities. Add in Week 18, and Harris averaged 20 opportunities, 87.8 rushing yards, and 0.8 touchdowns per game. That’s a level of volume reserved for only a handful of backs.
The substantial drop in receiving share from 2021 to 2022 greatly contributed to Harris’ dip in fantasy production. Still, despite the poor start that left some dynasty managers wondering if he was even startable, Harris ended the year as the RB14.
We also have to remember that Harris was dealing with a foot injury he sustained during training camp. It likely impacted him for the majority of the first part of the season. But is that something managers will keep in mind regarding his value, or do the stats and fantasy numbers speak more than potential excuses?
Najee Harris’ Dynasty Fantasy Ranking
Viewed by many as a top-six dynasty RB as a rookie, Harris has taken a step back in rankings. He comes in as the RB11 in 1QB PPR formats before we add in the 2023 rookie class, where names like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs will be ranked ahead of him.
Harris is in the same range as Tony Pollard, Javonte Williams, and Rhamondre Stevenson. When it comes to Superflex formats, where quarterbacks see an increase in value due to positional scarcity, Harris is the No. 44 ranked player.
With at least three years remaining on his contract, and in one of the few offenses that actually use their running back as a workhorse and not in a committee, I would actually be OK buying low on Harris if the current manager wants out. He’s not necessarily someone I’m actively trying to target in drafts, though.
But QB Kenny Pickett’s improvement over the second half is encouraging, just as is the hopefully improved offensive line which Pittsburgh spent most of its free agency addressing — with likely more help coming early in the NFL draft.
Still, given where Harris is in rankings and the age trajectory of others around him, Harris is a better dynasty value than he has likely been given credit for, especially when we assume the Steelers will improve as a whole in 2023. He is a hard-nosed rusher who will fight for extra yards, brings PPR upside, and, so far, is appeared set for a bounceback and boost in overall value if things break right.