Breece Hall and Najee Harris: A Comparative Look Ahead of Jets vs. Steelers

As Week 7 in the NFL approaches, fans and analysts alike are gearing up for an exciting matchup between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers, which promises to feature plenty of intriguing narratives. Two standout players in this game, Breece Hall of the Jets and Najee Harris of the Steelers, present a compelling study in contrasting situations as they each strive to make their mark on the game.

Game Overview

The stage is set for a showdown that has been sparked by recent headlines, such as the Jets’ acquisition of All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, and the Steelers’ decision to start veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Although these narratives are receiving ample attention, the real impact will likely stem from the ground game provided by both teams’ running backs.

The Jets enter this matchup after a tough stretch, having lost three consecutive games against the spread. Their offense has struggled with consistency, ranking below average in several key statistics including expected points added (EPA) per play and yards per play. Hall has been a focal point of the Jets’ offense even as they navigate through their growing pains.

Meanwhile, the Steelers, now under the watchful eye of Wilson, have also been attempting to establish a rhythm. With Russell’s arrival, Pittsburgh’s offense could offer a more balanced attack, combining a volatile passing game with a steady ground game led by Najee Harris.

Breece Hall: Under 91.5 Rushing/Receiving Yards

Breece Hall’s season has had its highs and lows, with his recent performance against the Bills showcasing his potential as he racked up 165 total yards. However, as the Jets integrate Davante Adams into the offense, Hall’s role and, specifically, his touches may diminish. He is currently projected to go under 91.5 rushing and receiving yards—a challenge compounded by the formidable Pittsburgh defense.

The Steelers’ run defense is formidable, largely due to the dominant T.J. Watt, who recently achieved a PFF run-defense grade of 99.0. This elite performance has contributed to the Steelers allowing the lowest EPA per play on running plays in the league this season. Furthermore, only three running backs have eclipsed 91.5 combined rushing and receiving yards against Pittsburgh, and each of them required 22 or more opportunities. Hall has only seen that level of volume once this season.

While Tod Downing, the Jets’ offensive coordinator, has made efforts to get Hall more involved, the new dynamics brought on by Adams, alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ penchant for targeting his star receiver, raises legitimate concerns. As it stands, Hall is likely to encounter heavy resistance from Pittsburgh’s defense, making the under an appealing bet in this matchup.

Najee Harris: Over 54.5 Rushing Yards

Conversely, Najee Harris is positioned for a strong performance against the Jets. The Steelers’ game plan will likely reflect Buffalo’s recent approach, which successfully exploited the Jets’ defense. In his last outing, Harris demonstrated why he remains a crucial part of the Steelers’ attack, earning a PFF grade of 90.4 while rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown.

Harris has shown a consistent ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact, having forced 11 missed tackles in the last two games alone. He ranks among the top three running backs in both metrics over that span. This capability will be essential against a Jets defense that has struggled with missed tackles all season, holding the league’s worst record in this category with 41 total missed tackles.

Given his recent form and the vulnerabilities within the Jets’ defense, betting on Harris to exceed 54.5 rushing yards appears to be a favorable option. His potential for big plays and an increased workload in a run-heavy game plan should put him in a prime position to capitalize.

Conclusion

As the Jets prepare to face the Steelers in what promises to be a gripping matchup, the narratives surrounding Breece Hall and Najee Harris offer insight into their respective teams’ strategies. While Hall’s role may be clouded by the arrival of Adams, Harris seems primed for a breakout performance on a team looking to establish an effective ground game. The outcomes of both players could very well play a critical role in determining the victor of this exciting week in the NFL. As the game unfolds, fans will undoubtedly be watching how these two running backs manage not just their plays but their impacts on each other’s teams’ fortunes.