The Pittsburgh Steelers hold a 8-7 record in the National Football League. They are still fighting for an AFC playoff position as Week 17 approaches, facing contention alongside the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, and Indianapolis Colts.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers receiver George Pickens tried to avoid an Indianapolis Colts defender after making a catch in their Week 15 regular season matchup.
With the AFC playoff picture still open and two games left in the regular season, the Steelers should make sure to capture the most optimistic results. With a tough schedule against the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens remaining, the Steel Curtain should rely on their best players to capture the much-needed two wins. Let’s check out the stand-out performers for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2023-2024 season thus far.
Steelers' TJ Watt, #90, Linebacker
TJ Watt continues to earn his spot as one of the greatest linebackers in football. Though battling various injuries on a weekly basis, Watt's mere presence significantly strengthens the defense. Last year, he was considered sixth-best player overall just behind notable names such as Tom Brady, Aaron Donald, Aaron Rodgers, Cooper Kupp and Jonathan Taylor while also being ranked highest amongst LBs.
Watt places an impressive 27th within all players for the current season thus far due to leading league statistics: including totaling up 17 sacks (more than anyone). He also has 41 solo tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 1 INT, and one defensive touchdown.
With the stats to back his gameplay, it’s no wonder why writers, fans, and all the NFL betting sites we recommend here have always put Watt in a good light. Mike Tomlin, the head coach, has always been vocal about Watt's status as the premier defensive player in existence. Even with two games remaining this season, the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year displays no signs of relenting and is primed to surpass his own record for sacks in a single campaign - an accolade he presently shares with Michael Strahan at 22.5.
Steelers' Kenny Pickett, #8 Quarterback
The newly-slated quarterback is still developing, but shows flashes of talent and leadership. Although not yet in the realm of the greats, Pickett has been showcasing his professional potentials like when he garnered the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and ACC Player, Athlete, and Offensive Player of the year awards when he was still with the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Pickett leads the team with 2,070 passing yards and six passing touchdowns. Pickett’s 38.2 Quarterback Rating and 81.4 passer rating put him as the 25th and 27th in this year’s campaign, respectively, but fans are eager to see him play under a new offensive coordinator moving forward. He's also tallied 42 rushing attempts, 54 rushing yards, and 12 rushing first downs. His 62% completion percentage, and 72-yard longest pass are also some of the top marks in the league.
Gene Puskar / AP
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8).
Steelers' Najee Harris, #22, Running Back
Though he battled injuries in 2023, Harris remains a versatile back with power and receiving ability. At his value, Harris is a volume monster, the go-to option in the red zone running behind an improved offensive line. Moreover, he has a safe floor and his dual-threat capabilities make him a player to watch for.
Despite a sluggish start this season, Harris has recovered and earned the honor as the 20th-best player based solely on offensive rushing stats. He has tallied 723 rushing yards in 183 attempts, and he has cracked the top three with seven 20+ yard rushing plays. His 51.6 rushing yards per game is also commendable, and he looks to add to his four rushing touchdowns and 33 rushing first downs.
Steelers' George Pickens, #14, Wide Receiver
Pickens has been a shining talent for the Steelers. The 22 year-old has been decent in his young NFL career and he continues to blossom game after game.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' George Pickens waltzes into the end zone during Pittsburgh's 34-11 rout of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 of 2023.
Pickens’ 1,009 receiving yards is impressive, while his 18.0 average yards per reception is near the best mark in the league. His five touchdowns, multiple 20+ yard receiving plays, and receiving first downs are also among the league’s best records.
