David Njoku Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Njoku racked up 144.5 fantasy points (TE12) in just 11 games, averaging 13.1 PPR points per game, good for TE6.

His five TDs tied for ninth among TEs, while his 97 targets ranked sixth.

He posted seven top-10 finishes, establishing himself as a weekly difference-maker at a volatile position.

Usage & Role

Njoku was heavily involved when on the field, especially in games with starter-level usage.

In eight games with a route rate of 60%+, he averaged 9.9 targets and a 23.6% target share, ranking TE3 in expected PPR points per game.

He played 56.7% of snaps in-line and 30% from the slot, giving him versatility in both base and spread sets.

Efficiency Metrics

Njoku's efficiency was solid but not elite:

• 1.36 yards per route (23rd among TEs with 30+ targets)
• 65.3 PFF receiving grade (29th)
• 4.3 yards after catch per reception and 0.8 YAC over expectation
• 5.0% drop rate (11th lowest)

His 23.7% targets per route run ranked sixth among qualified TEs, reflecting his strong ability to earn targets.

He was frequently a first read (21.7%, 6th among TEs), signaling trusted usage in the Browns’ offense.

Offensive Context

Cleveland’s offense, under OC Ken Dorsey, ranked second in pace and fifth in pass rate (65%), creating plenty of opportunity.

The offensive line finished 10th in pass blocking, helping support a high-volume aerial attack that often had to play from behind.

Historical Production & Trends

Njoku followed up a breakout 2023 (20.6% target share, TE9 finish) with even better per-game numbers in 2024.

His usage climbed from 23.1% to 23.7% targets per route run, and he matched his career high in TDs despite missing time.

He’s now posted back-to-back years as a top-12 PPR fantasy TE.

Injury History

Njoku missed three games in 2024 due to a high-ankle sprain sustained in Week 1. This was the second time in his career that Njoku missed games with a high-ankle sprain.

He also missed three of the last four games due to a hamstring injury.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Njoku returns as Cleveland’s clear-cut starting TE. The Browns added rookie Harold Fannin, but he projects as more of a slot receiver than true TE.

While the WR room got a bit deeper with the addition of Diontae Johnson to Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, Njoku’s red-zone usage and route versatility should keep him near the top of the target hierarchy.

Supporting Cast

The Browns QB situation is among the worst in the NFL.

They traded for QB Kenny Pickett and added QB Joe Flacco, neither boasting a starting QB profile.

Adding third-round pick Dillon Gabriel and fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders doesn’t move the needle either.

The Browns’ OL returns all five starters from a unit that ranked 10th in ESPN’s pass block win rate last year.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Cleveland’s offense drastically changed in 2024 under OC Ken Dorsey, jumping from a 56.4% pass rate in 2023 up to a 65.0% pass rate. The Browns ranked top five in pass attempts.

Despite ranking last in points scored, the Browns ranked top-10 in pass volume and neutral pass rate (59.7%).

Those numbers could dip with the potential for worse QB play, but a high pass rate and pace should help Njoku garner enough volume to be fantasy relevant.

Production & Efficiency Trends

Njoku’s year-over-year growth in target rate, scoring, and role solidify his status as a locked-in TE1. His elite usage when running full routes offers top-5 upside, and Cleveland’s offensive pace gives him a strong floor. If he stays healthy, Njoku could deliver his best fantasy season yet in 2025.