The NFL season kicked off last week and the Pittsburgh Steelers made a statement by getting a victory over the reigning AFC Champions, the Cincinnati Bengals. In addition to that, hopefully, Steeler Nation managed to get a 'W' in all their fantasy leagues.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin And QB1 Mitch Trubisky In Week 1 Of 2022 Against The Cincinnati Bengals | Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Each week I will be going through the Steelers matchups to give predictions for the key fantasy football pieces with recommendations on who to start and who to sit. I will also be giving all of Steeler Nation recommendations for which Steelers players to include on their DFS lineups each week.
First, we will dive into the fantasy football predictions for Steelers players in their Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots. I will also provide start/sit recommendations for each player. All scoring is PPR (point per reception). Bill Belichick's defenses usually do a pretty good job at stopping what an opposing offense wants to do, so this could be a rough week for the Steelers' skill players in fantasy.
Steelers Week 1 Fantasy Football Projections
Mitch Trubisky, QB - Sit
The Steelers' offense appears to be implementing a similar playbook as last season. They are letting Trubisky get outside the pocket often, as well as letting him work the ball down the field, even if it is strictly on the perimeter. However, until the play-calling becomes more quarterback friendly and the offensive line improves their play, Trubisky should remain on your bench in year-long leagues.
Najee Harris, RB - Must Start
I'm going to sound like a broken record on this each week, but no one drafted Harris in the first round with the ability to put him on their bench. He may not see his usual usage being a little less than 100% and Jaylen Warren proving to be a capable backup, but he definitely should be in your lineups if you have him.
Diontae Johnson, WR - Start
I suggested sitting Johnson last week because of his potential to be limited due to an injury. That didn't appear to be the case as he led the team in targets against the Bengals. Even in a bogged-down offense, Johnson is a focal point that will get the football often.
Chase Claypool, WR - Sit
Unlike Johnson, I suggested starting Claypool last week. Based on usage, I was on the right track as he touched the ball 10 times, which is usually a good recipe for success. However, he only put together 54 total yards and no touchdowns. Claypool will have his big weeks, and the usage is encouraging, but sit him for this one.
George Pickens, WR - Sit
Unfortunately, Pickens just isn't a large enough part of the offense yet to trust, as he managed only 1 catch on 3 targets in Week 1. Until the offense gets rolling and Pickens becomes a larger part of the offense, he will likely be a bench stash week in and week out.
Steelers' Tight End Pat Freiermuth Catches A Pass In Week 1 Of 2022 Against The Cincinnati Bengals | Credit: Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pat Freiermuth, TE - Start
It is clear that the Steelers understand Freiermuth is arguably the biggest mismatch they have on offense, as his athleticism and size make him hard to guard. The Patriots will likely try to take him away in the middle of the field but with the number of targets he receives, he still is a safe start this week, in my opinion.
Steelers D/ST - Start
You were likely very happy if you started the Steelers unit last week. I don't think the turnovers will be as plentiful this week, but the Patriots may be without Mac Jones. Even if he plays, he may be limited and the Patriots' offense isn't one that'll put up big numbers. The Steelers D/ST has a high floor this week.
Chris Boswell - Start
3/3 FGs. 2/2 XPs. 13 points.
Doink aside, Boswell will continue to be a weekly start as a kicker.
Steelers Week 1 DFS Outlook
Now, for DFS lineups things can change depending on the dollar amount they are listed for. Just because I may not be projecting a huge week for them above, doesn't mean I won't be picking them if the price is right. Each player's salary is based on their DraftKings salary for that week.
Must Grabs
None. Steelers just don't have an exciting matchup this week from a fantasy perspective. In a likely-to-be slow-paced game, the value just isn't here to recommend someone as a requirement in lineups.
Stay Away
Mitch Trubisky - $5000, #33 QB - Last week I thought this number was way too low, and I love grabbing bargain quarterbacks in DFS. However, I underestimated how limited the Steelers' play calling was going to be and how many drives would stall as a result. There are a lot of better options here.
Desperation Big Plays
George Pickens - $3600, #71 WR
Chase Claypool - $4700, #41 WR
Both of these guys have the potential to have a couple of long touchdowns at any point. So if you're extremely thin on money after grabbing a couple of high-dollar people, both Pickens and Claypool have very high ceilings. Granted, with very low floors as well, hence the cheap price.
Here is everyone else and what they are listed for:
Najee Harris - $6200, #12 RB
Diontae Johnson - $5800, #18 WR
Pat Freiermuth - $4400, #8 TE
Steelers' D/ST - $2800, #13 D/ST
Do you think you have the perfect fantasy play for any of the Steelers this week? Let us know by commenting below and sharing your picks/projections with us!
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