RADIO
Aaron Rodgers A Low-End QB2 Against Cleveland
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers disappointed for fantasy purposes last week but will look to get back on track in a divisional bout with the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. While the Browns are surrendering the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, Rodgers managed 299 passing yards and three touchdowns despite throwing two interceptions against Cleveland back in Week 4. This is a pivotal matchup with both AFC North teams sitting at 5-2 heading into Sunday, so Rodgers should be locked in for what projects to be a competitive game. That said, plenty of other fantasy options have more favorable matchups at the position. Fantasy managers can turn to Rodgers in a pinch, but he should be viewed as a low-end QB2 with some streaming appeal.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren Holds Lead Role as Steelers Backfield Evens Out
Running back Jaylen Warren remains a dependable fantasy RB2 because the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to feed him, even with Rico Dowdle back. He rushed 18 times for 101 yards and caught three passes for 36 yards in Pittsburgh's Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints, with Dowdle finishing at nine carries and six receptions. Warren has logged at least 14 carries in five consecutive contests after combining for just 21 rushing attempts in the first two games, and he's topped 100 scrimmage yards four times in that span. Dowdle's role is expanding elsewhere, though. He played 44% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps against the Saints, led the team with six catches, and head coach Mike McCarthy said he liked how the workload was distributed. That growth is what keeps Warren from the near-every-down role he held before Dowdle's return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Rodgers is a Desperation QB Pickup for Week 8
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not a worthwhile bet as a fantasy contributor in Week 8 and beyond in a typical single-QB league. However, if you are in a 2-QB league or are pressed to find a bye week fill-in, Rodgers can be a useful fantasy asset. Rodgers has strung together a solid start to the season, throwing for 13 touchdowns in seven games (1.86 TDs/game), and has accumulated almost 1,700 passing yards. He is currently slotted in as QB18 in fantasy points per game headed into a Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns' Defense comes in with the eighth-fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs per game, only allowing 15.5 per game. This is notable for fantasy managers looking to stream a QB as a bye week replacement in Week 8, as they may want to look elsewhere. Better times should be ahead for Rodgers, though, if wide receivers Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. can return from the injured reserve and strengthen the Steelers' shallow receiving corps. For now, Rodgers remains an average QB2 and a desperate bye-week/injury replacement without much upside.
Source: Fantasy Points
Source: Fantasy Points
Michael Pittman Jr. Could be Long-Term Stash Option
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) won't suit up for the Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Pittman will remain on the Injured Reserve, but he has a chance to return in Week 10. He won't play this weekend, and the Steelers have a bye during the following week. Fantasy managers willing to wait two weeks should consider stashing Pittman. Before going down, Pittman hauled in seven receptions for 89 yards in three games. He figures to be a significant part of the passing attack once he's back in the mix. Fantasy managers who are willing to be patient might get a nice payoff down the road once Pittman is back in the mix.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Darnell Washington's Touchdowns Hide a Thin Receiving Role
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington is a touchdown-dependent streamer, not a real receiving threat, and Sunday showed it. He caught his only target for a four-yard touchdown in the 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints, giving him three scores over the past four games, but he ran just seven routes to Pat Freiermuth's 26 despite playing 56% of the offensive snaps. Freiermuth drew four targets while playing slightly fewer snaps. Washington's 6-foot-7 frame makes him a dangerous red-zone option, but his 23 targets and 160 receiving yards through seven games show how heavily his fantasy production depends on touchdowns. Stream him against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8 in leagues with at least 14 teams, particularly if you need scoring upside at a thin position. Pittsburgh's Week 9 bye further limits his appeal as a longer-term addition in shallower formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pat Freiermuth Could be Worth Stashing
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is coming off another lousy performance, but he's still a decent fantasy option. Over the last two games, Freiermuth has hauled in four receptions for 31 yards. It has been a struggle for the big tight end, but he's still the TE11 at the moment despite some lackluster performances. He has seen four or more targets in every game but one this season. He should continue to stay involved against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8. Fantasy managers looking for an option with their tight end on a bye week should consider snagging Freiermuth. He has a good track record despite some sluggish performances as of late.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Rico Dowdle Productive in Win Over Saints, but Clear No. 2 Option
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle carried the ball nine times for 41 yards (4.6 yards per carry), and caught all six of his targets for 45 receiving yards (7.5 yards per reception) in France during a 16-10 Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints. He played 28 offensive snaps. Dowdle was fairly productive and heavily involved in the passing game, as he led the Steelers in receptions and tied for the team lead with wide receiver DK Metcalf in targets. However, it is evident that running back Jaylen Warren will remain the preferred option in the running game. Warren played 40 offensive snaps and rushed 18 times for 101 yards (5.6 yards per carry). Warren added three receptions (on four targets) for 36 yards (12.0 yards per catch). Warren out-touched Dowdle 21-15, compiling 137 scrimmage yards compared to 86 total yards for Dowdle. The Steelers prefer to use a two-running back attack, and Dowdle will continue to get plenty of touches, but expect Warren to keep operating as the lead back as the 2026 season progresses.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Germie Bernard Cools Down in Victory over Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard had a low-production day in a 16-10 Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints. Bernard saw five targets in the passing game and recorded three receptions for 27 yards (9.0 yards per reception). He did not find the end zone. After registering 21 catches for 167 receiving yards and a touchdown combined over the past two weeks, Bernard cooled off significantly. However, quarterback Aaron Rodgers only threw for 212 passing yards on the day, as the Steelers rushed for 148 yards in the ground game. Wide receiver DK Metcalf led the Steelers in receiving yards against the Saints with 56, while running back Rico Dowdle led the team in receptions with six. Pittsburgh is dealing with multiple injuries in the wide receiver room, so expect Bernard to remain involved for the foreseeable future. He will look to bounce back in a Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jaylen Warren Continues to Lead Pittsburgh Backfield in Win over Saints
Running back Jaylen Warren continues to be the No. 1 option in the backfield for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he rushed 18 times for 101 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and made three receptions (on four targets) for 36 yards (12.0 yards per catch) in a 16-10 Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints in France. Warren played 40 out of 64 offensive snaps (62.5%). He compiled 56 yards after contact, averaging 3.11 yards after contact per attempt, according to Pro Football Focus. Fellow running back Rico Dowdle earned 28 snaps and rushed nine times for 41 yards (4.6 yards per carry), while catching all six of his targets for 45 receiving yards (7.5 yards per reception). While Dowdle remains involved, Warren out-touched him 21-15 and played 12 more offensive snaps. Warren tallied 137 scrimmage yards compared to 86 for Dowdle. Both running backs will play significant roles in the offense, but expect Warren to keep leading the charge.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Rico Dowdle Active for Week 7 Against Saints in Paris
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 7 contest against the New Orleans Saints in Paris, France. Dowdle made the trip overseas and was ultimately listed as questionable entering this weekend. In the end, though, he will suit up against the Saints. The 28-year-old missed all three games from Weeks 3-5, but he returned to action last week and will play again this Sunday. The 28-year-old has operated as the clear No. 2 option out of the backfield behind Jaylen Warren. He has fewer than 8.0 PPR points in all three of his games so far, although to his credit, he is averaging a solid 3.7 targets and 2.3 catches per contest. Dowdle should have a role this week, but we'd hesitate to start him in leagues with 14 or fewer teams. Warren is the Steelers running back to start in fantasy football.
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Pat Freiermuth a Touchdown-Dependent Streamer
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is a streamable asset ahead of Sunday's outing with the New Orleans Saints in Paris, France. Freiermuth saw a slight dip in opportunity in last weekend's overtime win over the Buccaneers, falling below four targets for the first time all season. The timing was unfortunate for fantasy managers who rolled with him after three touchdowns in the two games prior. The Penn State product doesn't project to win owners their week on the back of a high target share. However, he's as good a bet as any in the Steelers' offense to score a TD. Freiermuth is currently tied for the team lead with five red zone targets, and sits atop all Pittsburgh pass catchers with four receiving touchdowns. His snap split with teammate Darnell Washington isn't an ideal scenario for fantasy, but the 28-year-old gets a slight boost this week against a Saints defense that's been one of the worst against the position.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Michael Pittman Jr. Remains a Risky Injured-Reserve Stash
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. remains a speculative stash after landing on injured reserve with a foot injury on October 10. The veteran must miss at least four games, making Week 10 against Cincinnati the earliest he could return. Pittman caught just seven passes for 89 yards in three appearances this season, while rookie Germie Bernard has emerged alongside DK Metcalf, recording 11 receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown in Week 6. Fantasy managers with an available IR slot can consider stashing Pittman, but his limited production and growing target competition cloud his rest-of-season outlook.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Boswell A Reliable Fantasy Option in Week 7
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was busy in Week 6, converting four of five field goal attempts and both extra-point tries in a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He should remain an important part of Pittsburgh's offense against the New Orleans Saints in Paris on Sunday. New Orleans has been a top-15 matchup for kickers this season and is allowing the most points per game to opposing offenses. While Pittsburgh's offense isn't among the NFL's most prolific units, it has averaged more than 28 points per game since Week 3. Fantasy managers can confidently start Boswell as a top-10 kicker in this international showdown.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Could Offer Deep-League Flex Value
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (knee) is currently listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Dowdle made his return to the field last week after missing three games due to injury. He rushed the ball seven times for 40 yards in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also hauled in three of his four targets for nine yards. The expectation is that he'll have a similar role in Week 7, assuming he's able to play. Jaylen Warren has played extremely well and cemented himself as the lead back in Pittsburgh. If healthy, Dowdle could offer some deep league flex value, but he isn't someone who is a must-start while Warren is healthy and getting the bulk of the playing time.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST Remains a Strong Fantasy Option in Week 7
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense came through for fantasy managers in last week's win, recording five sacks and two interceptions while allowing 19 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This week, Pittsburgh faces the New Orleans Saints in Paris. New Orleans has shown the potential to put up points, but the offense is also committing two turnovers per game, tied for the second-most in the NFL. Pittsburgh is tied for the third-most takeaways per game while allowing the seventh-fewest points to opposing offenses. The Steelers could also get a key starter back, as safety DeShon Elliott (knee) is listed as questionable after practicing in full this week. Fantasy managers can confidently start the Steelers DST again in all formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
