Javonte Williams vs. Najee Harris: Who Will Have More Rushing Yards?

The NFL is set to kick off with the Hall of Fame Game taking place on Thursday. In that game, we should see the debut of Najee Harris, the Pittsburgh Steelers first round draft choice. Harris is set to take over for James Connor. Harris is expected to play well in his rookie season as he also has +1100 odds to win Offensive Rookie of the year. 

Harris is the top running back listed for Rookie of the Year, but the second back on the list is Javonte Williams. The Denver Broncos drafted Williams in the second round out of North Carolina. While Williams’ odds for OROY are nearly twice as long (+2000), the two have the same odds to lead the league in rushing yards (+5000). 

The battle between the two top rookie running backs will be a fun storyline to follow over the course of the season. If I had to choose between the two, I would take Harris to rush for more yards than Williams. 

Although the Broncos have a better offensive line -- especially because the Steelers have so many unknowns about their projected starters -- Harris is going to have a better offense around him. The Steelers have three wide receivers that are all capable of exploding any week and Ben Roethlisberger to deliver the ball to them. The Steelers were extremely pass-happy in 2020, attempting the most passes per game. However, they have said they want to be a more balanced offense with Harris on board. 

I’m taking Harris, but Williams wouldn’t be an awful pick either. The Broncos are back to looking for a consistent running back. They thought Phillip Lindsay would be the guy after consecutive 1,000 yard seasons, but he’s now in Houston and the spot is open. Williams’ main competition will be Melvin Gordon, but all the odds point towards Williams earning and keeping that job. 

Both of these backs should show out this year, but I’m leaning towards Harris. 

Who will have the better season between Harris and Williams? Download the WynnBET app and make your pick today.