RADIO
Darnell Washington Offers Deep-League Appeal Against Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington scored his second touchdown of the season in Week 6 and could be in line for an expanded role against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. With several Steelers wide receivers sidelined by injuries, Washington saw six targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers last week. Targets could once again be concentrated among a limited group of pass-catchers, making Washington and fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth intriguing options in this matchup. New Orleans is allowing the second-most receptions and seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. While Freiermuth has the stronger track record, Washington is trending upward, averaging more than four opportunities per game over the past four weeks. The fourth-year pro is worth monitoring in all formats and offers streaming appeal in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pat Freiermuth Draws Plus Matchup in Paris
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth saw just three targets in last week's win and will look to get more involved against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. Pittsburgh's receiving corps is thin due to several injuries, but fellow tight end Darnell Washington was the one who delivered a solid fantasy performance in Week 6. Still, Freiermuth has a favorable opportunity to bounce back in Paris on Sunday, as the Saints are allowing the second-most receptions and seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. Freiermuth has a strong rapport with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and leads the Steelers in receiving touchdowns this season. Fantasy managers can view the 28-year-old as a viable streaming option this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Germie Bernard Emerging as a Fantasy WR2 Against Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard broke out with 11 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets last week and should remain heavily involved in Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints. With Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) all inactive, Bernard and veteran teammate DK Metcalf were the only wide receivers to receive a target from quarterback Aaron Rodgers last week. That concentrated target share should continue against a Saints defense allowing the fourth-most yards and the most points per game to opposing offenses. Fantasy managers who have been stashing Bernard or were fortunate enough to claim him off waivers can feel confident starting the rookie as a low-end WR2 in Paris on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DK Metcalf A Fantasy WR2 With Upside in Paris
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf saw 15 targets last week and delivered an excellent fantasy showing alongside rookie wideout Germie Bernard. This week, Metcalf and the Steelers travel to Paris to face the New Orleans Saints, who are allowing the fourth-most yards and the most points per game to opposing offenses. With several Steelers receivers sidelined by injury, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is funneling targets to a limited group of healthy pass-catchers, and Metcalf should remain a primary beneficiary. Although he has found the end zone only once this season, Metcalf was targeted twice in the red zone last week and offers plenty of touchdown upside in this matchup. Fantasy managers can confidently view the eighth-year pro as a solid WR2 on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren Primed to Bounce Back in Week 7
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren disappointed for fantasy purposes last week but could bounce back in a big way against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. The Saints are giving up the most rushing yards, touchdowns, and fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Although Rico Dowdle (knee) played in Week 6 and took some opportunities away from Warren, he is questionable for Sunday's game in Paris after practicing on a limited basis all week. With or without Dowdle in the lineup, Warren should see enough work on the ground and through the air to deliver a strong fantasy performance. Fantasy managers can once again fire up Warren as an RB1 with significant upside in this matchup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Rodgers A Viable Fantasy Option Against Saints
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers ranks as the fantasy QB3 since Week 3 and gets another favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. New Orleans is allowing the eighth-most passing yards per contest and the most points per game to opposing offenses. While Pittsburgh's receiving corps is thin, Rodgers' chemistry with DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard was on full display in Week 6. There's little reason to think they can't pick up where they left off in Sunday's game in Paris. With several of the league's top fantasy quarterbacks on bye this week, Rodgers profiles as one of the best streaming options on the slate and can be started with confidence in most formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren's Workhorse Usage Takes a Hit
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren's snap share dropped to 75% against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6 after reaching at least 87% in each of the previous three games. Rico Dowdle returned from his toe injury and handled 10 touches, rushing seven times for 40 yards and catching three passes for nine yards. Warren logged 14 carries for 50 yards and two receptions for 28 yards, with both backs drawing four targets. Pittsburgh still leaned on Warren when the game tightened: he played all 13 third-down snaps and outcarried Dowdle 7-2 over the final 20 minutes. That usage keeps him firmly in the RB2 range, even after the return of a teammate who was absent for his 188-yard, two-touchdown performance against Indianapolis in Week 5. Dowdle (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the New Orleans Saints after being listed as limited on Pittsburgh's injury reports, giving Warren a chance to regain a larger share of the work if Dowdle sits.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
T.J. Watt Expected to Play in Week 7
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt (calf) was limited in Thursday's practice but is expected to play in Week 7's matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Watt is reportedly dealing with a calf issue, but Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said he doesn't believe it will affect the four-time All-Pro's status on Sunday. In six games this season, Watt has 4.5 sacks, 15 tackles, one forced fumble, and an interception returned for a touchdown. If Watt is unable to play in Week 7, both Alex Highsmith and Jack Sawyer will shoulder more responsibility against the Saints. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues who own the Steelers D/ST should monitor Watt's status, as his on-field impact is crucial to their success.
Source: Mike DeFabo
Source: Mike DeFabo
Rico Dowdle Listed as Questionable to Play in Week 7
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (knee) is listed as questionable to play in Week 7's matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Dowdle was limited in all three days of practice this week due to an apparent knee injury, despite not appearing to be injured in the 26-19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. Last week, Dowdle returned from a toe injury that cost him three games, had seven carries for 40 yards, and added three receptions for nine yards. While Jaylen Warren has firmly cemented himself as the lead back in this offense, Dowdle, if healthy, will still have a role, even after Warren's elite production in Dowdle's absence. Fantasy managers should monitor the team's Saturday elevations and Dowdle's status on Sunday morning, especially in a weaker matchup against the struggling Saints run defense.
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Steelers Traveling to Paris on a Red-Eye Flight
In a season that was kicked off with widely scrutinized travel plans ahead of the Week 1 international game between the Rams and 49ers, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the latest franchise to raise eyebrows with their scheduled itinerary. According to Andrew Fillipponi of Pittsburgh's 93.7 the Fan, the Steelers are traveling to Paris on a Thursday night red-eye flight ahead of their Week 7 matchup with the Saints and will reportedly travel directly to the practice field upon arrival. While the unconventional travel plans to Australia did not work out for the Rams, the Steelers will hope for a better outcome in Europe as they look to extend their two-game win streak on Sunday.
Source: Andrew Fillipponi
Source: Andrew Fillipponi
DK Metcalf Regains Momentum With 15-Target Performance
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf's 15-target Week 6 outing was a sharp response to the four looks he got against Indianapolis the previous Sunday. He caught 11 passes for 93 yards in Pittsburgh's 26-19 overtime win over Tampa Bay, including nine receptions for 81 yards in the fourth quarter and overtime. Aaron Rodgers acknowledged afterward that the offense shifted once Metcalf became more involved and said the Steelers need to find him earlier in games. That matters with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (finger) on injured reserve, which leaves Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard as Pittsburgh's primary wideout options. Bernard saw 12 targets of his own against the Buccaneers, and the extended comeback helped drive Metcalf's volume. Still, Metcalf has topped 90 receiving yards in two of his past three games after totaling just 98 over his first three. The thinner receiving corps and renewed involvement support a low-end WR2 outlook in PPR leagues for Week 7 against New Orleans.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rookie WR Germie Bernard Poised to Continue Significant Role for Steelers
With multiple injuries in the Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver room, rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard has stepped up over the past two weeks, and he should continue to play a significant role for the foreseeable future. Bernard saw 12 targets in a 26-19 overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. He recorded 11 receptions, which tied with DK Metcalf for the team high, and recorded 87 receiving yards and a touchdown. Over the last two games combined, Bernard has totaled 21 targets, 17 receptions, 167 receiving yards and a touchdown. Wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (finger) are both currently on injured reserve, while fellow wideout Ben Skowronek (calf) is dealing with a calf injury and missed Week 6. Bernard and Metcalf will continue to be heavily involved for Pittsburgh's offense, and Bernard is currently available in 37% of Yahoo leagues and worth picking up if possible.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Rico Dowdle Dealing With Knee Injury, Limited on Wednesday
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (knee) was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday with a new knee injury, according to Jeff Nowak. Dowdle missed three games with a dislocated toe on his right foot, but he managed to return in the Week 6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing 27% of the offensive snaps while carrying the ball seven times for 40 yards. He added three catches for nine yards. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren handled 14 rushing attempts for 50 yards and caught two passes for 28 yards. Dowdle apparently picked up a knee injury in his first game back, but it might not be serious enough to keep him out of playing again in Week 7 in Paris against the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Mike McCarthy envisioned a pretty even split between Dowdle and Warren before the start of the regular season, but Dowdle's toe injury opened more opportunities for Warren, and he took advantage. Warren has earned a larger share of the backfield pie than Dowdle. Dowdle is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers, but he is averaging just 3.5 yards per attempt on his 22 carries through three games in Pittsburgh, and he will be relegated to RB3/flex status if he is active in Week 7 in France.
Source: Jeff Nowak
Source: Jeff Nowak
Darnell Washington's Growing Target Volume Boosts Waiver Appeal
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington has drawn 14 targets over his last three games after getting just eight across the first three weeks of the season. He caught four of a season-high six targets for 25 yards and a five-yard touchdown in Sunday's 26-19 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, giving him two scores in his last three outings. Washington has also earned five red-zone targets this season, including two inside the 10-yard line. Pat Freiermuth (calf) remains heavily involved, though, and scored three touchdowns in the two games before that. With Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) and Roman Wilson (finger) on injured reserve, Pittsburgh has leaned harder on its tight ends in the passing game. Rostered in just 2% of leagues, Washington deserves a look as a 12-team bench addition, with more compelling streaming appeal in 14-team formats ahead of this Sunday's matchup against New Orleans in Paris.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Rodgers Remains a Viable Waiver-Wire Streaming Option
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to make a case for a waiver-wire pickup after Sunday's 26-19 overtime win over Tampa Bay. Rodgers completed 33 of 49 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, marking his fourth straight game with multiple touchdown passes. The veteran has thrown 12 touchdowns through six starts, providing consistent fantasy production over the past month despite offering little as a runner. Rodgers faces New Orleans in Week 7 and remains a viable streaming option for fantasy managers seeking quarterback help, although his limited rushing upside caps his ceiling.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
