David Njoku Fantasy Overview

Njoku Proves Unreliable

Njoku posted just 33 catches, 293 yards, and 4 TDs in 12 games.

He produced three top-12 PPR finishes, topping out at TE7 in Week 5. He finished TE24 or worse in half of his games.

Displaced By a Rookie

Njoku lost meaningful target ground to Harold Fannin Jr. right away. Fannin beat him in target share in Week 1 and in eight of their 12 shared games, leaving Njoku at just 4.0 targets per contest.

Njoku stayed short-range at a 5.9-yard average depth of target (his third straight year under 6.0) and moved around the formation at rates that mirrored recent seasons:

• 55.7% inline
• 28.7% in the slot
• 14.4% out wide

Ugly Efficiency

Among 38 TEs with 40+ targets, Njoku posted underwhelming finishes:

• 21st in catch rate
• 29th in fantasy points per route run
• 33rd in yards per target
• 35th in yards per route run
• 36th in targets per route run
• 36th in PFF receiving grade

Injuries likely played a role in Njoku’s efficiency dip, but they weren’t the only factor behind his disappointing season.

QB Play Didn't Help

The Browns supplied an awful environment for passing production.

Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Joe Flacco combined for a poor completion rate (57.9%) and yards per attempt (5.0). Only the Jets averaged fewer passing yards per game, despite Cleveland ranking 15th in attempts.

A Downward Trend

Njoku’s production peaked in 2023 with 81 catches, 882 yards, and 6 TDs in 16 games.

Njoku remained effective in 2024, averaging 5.8 catches, 45.9 yards, and 0.45 TDs in 11 games. That per-game production cratered last fall to 2.7 catches, 24.4 yards, and 0.3 TDs, and his 7.2 PPR points per game were his fewest since 2020.

Injuries Remain Problematic

Knee, ankle, and hamstring injuries cost Njoku 11 games over the past two seasons.

He’s missed at least one game each year since 2018, including a 2019 season that included a concussion and a fractured wrist.

Not Slated For a Fantasy-Friendly Role

Njoku signed a one-year deal with the Chargers worth “up to” $8 million, per multiple reports. Even at max value, that would rank just 19th at the position in average annual salary, and the fact that he lasted into May suggests the league no longer views him as a lead TE.

He also won’t have that role in Los Angeles, where Oronde Gadsden II enters Year 2 after a mini breakout of 49 catches, 664 yards, and 3 TDs.

The Chargers also added former Raven Charlie Kolar, one of PFF’s highest-graded run-blocking TEs last year. He probably won’t beat Njoku in targets, but his three-year contract with $17 million guaranteed suggests he’ll play enough to squeeze Njoku’s snaps and target upside.

The WR group brings young potential and uncertainty. Ladd McConkey’s production declined last season, while Quentin Johnston remained a limited piece of the offense with a target share that ranked 57th among WRs. Tre Harris played all 17 games as a rookie but was a non-factor.

Keenan Allen’s departure vacates 122 targets from last year’s count, but Njoku’s recent play suggests he won’t claim much of that work.

QB, O-line Play Supplies Some Hope

Njoku does land with Justin Herbert, who ranked ninth in both pass attempts and passing yards last year despite constant pressure.

The O-line will bear watching after both OTs underwent offseason surgeries. LT Rashawn Slater and RT Joe Alt are at least on track to participate in training camp.

Deciphering McDaniel's Approach

The Chargers’ personnel moves suggest they’ll mix in more two- and three-TE sets. That would mark a departure from last year, when they ranked last in 12-personnel usage (5.8%) and 23rd in 13-personnel usage (1.9%).

More TEs on the field would obviously increase Njoku’s chances of playing and seeing targets, while having fewer WRs out there could shift more work to the TEs.

On the other side: Mike McDaniel’s Miami offense used two-back formations at a 33.25% rate, up from the Chargers’ 10.9% mark last season. That includes the use of fullback Alec Ingold, who followed McDaniel from the Dolphins on a two-year deal. His usage could make Njoku’s snap and route counts more volatile.

Risk Factors

It’s hard to find a ceiling case with the Chargers going three deep at TE. Add the expected FB usage, and Njoku likely needs a Gadsden injury just to become a worthwhile streamer.