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Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST an Elite Week 8 Option
The Pittsburgh Steelers surrendered just 10 points to the New Orleans Saints while recording two sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in their Week 7 victory. In Week 8, they'll face the 5-2 Cleveland Browns in a pivotal AFC North showdown. Despite their record, the Browns are scoring the fifth-fewest points per game in the NFL while allowing the most sacks. Pittsburgh ranks among the top 10 teams in both sacks and turnovers forced, so this looks like a great opportunity to start the Steelers DST at home. Fantasy managers who have been rolling with Pittsburgh's defense, which ranks as a top-five option in RotoBaller's Week 8 DST rankings, should continue doing so with confidence on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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
Mike McCarthy to Continue Coaching Despite Ankle Injury
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy (ankle) reportedly twisted his ankle near the end of the first half of Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Pewter Report. McCarthy spent the entire halftime break inside the blue medical tent, with the CBS Sports broadcast subsequently reporting that he would continue coaching despite the injury. The 62-year-old is in his first season leading Pittsburgh after previously serving as head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys. No further details regarding the severity of the ankle injury have been reported, and there is currently no indication that McCarthy's coaching responsibilities or Pittsburgh's offensive play-calling will be affected.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST A Must-Start in Week 6
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense managed just one sack and no turnovers in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts, but it carries plenty of upside in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Tampa Bay quarterback Jalon Daniels impressed last week against the Dallas Cowboys, there is still a path for the Steelers to find success against an undrafted rookie making just his third career NFL start. Through five weeks, Tampa Bay is allowing the second-most sacks and giving up the sixth-most turnovers per contest. Additionally, Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (ankle), who was inactive in Week 5, appears to be trending toward returning against his former team on Sunday, bolstering Pittsburgh's secondary. Fantasy managers should confidently deploy the Steelers DST as a top-five option this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST Can Be Started Despite Injuries in Week 5
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense surrendered 27 points in a loss to the Cleveland Browns last week but recorded two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery to salvage its fantasy performance. In Week 5, the Steelers will host the Indianapolis Colts in a contest that could be impacted by heavy rain. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones has lost three fumbles over the past two weeks and thrown an interception in each of his four starts this season. Even without cornerback Jamel Dean (ankle), safety DeShon Elliott (knee), and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (foot), Pittsburgh's DST should be a relatively safe option this week, with enough turnover upside to remain in fantasy lineups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cowboys Acquire Joey Porter Jr. From Steelers
The Dallas Cowboys have acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (back) from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a package that includes a second-round pick, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Porter has yet to play this season due to a back injury. However, it seems like he's getting closer to playing, and the trade to Dallas could be a sign that he'll suit up sooner rather than later. Porter finished fifth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2023, and he has recorded an interception in each of his three NFL seasons. He'll look to offer a huge boost to a Cowboys secondary that has allowed 207.3 passing yards per game this year.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST A Must-Start on Thursday Night Football
The Pittsburgh Steelers surrendered 27 points while recording one sack and one fumble recovery in a Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. While its subpar performance didn't prevent the team from coming out on top, Pittsburgh's defense will hope for a stronger showing against the division-rival Cleveland Browns in Week 4. Although the Browns are 2-1, Cleveland's offense is averaging just 18 points per contest and ranks third-worst in total yards per game. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has only thrown one interception, but he has been sacked at least twice in each of his three starts to begin the campaign. The Steelers defense is mostly healthy, with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (back) out once again and Jalen Ramsey (wrist) and Brandin Echols (concussion) both questionable after practicing in a limited capacity all week. Fantasy managers should fire up the Pittsburgh DST with confidence in what is projected to be a low-scoring affair.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cowboys, Lions Inquire on Trade for Joey Porter Jr.
The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions are among several teams that "have begun making inquiries" on a potential trade for Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (undisclosed), according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Porter and the Steelers had previously engaged in extension talks, but those came to an end when Week 1 arrived and a new deal still wasn't in place. Pittsburgh intends to uphold its policy against having contract negotiations during the season, leaving Porter on the trade market as the regular season continues. Dallas and Detroit have two of the worst secondaries in football, so it's no surprise that they're interested in Porter, who tallied 52 tackles, one sack, and one interception across 14 games last year. With that being said, Porter has yet to play this season and is questionable for Week 3 with an undisclosed issue.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Steelers D/ST a Risky Fantasy Option Against Division Rival
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is off to a strong start this season, but will face its toughest test yet in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. While Cincinnati's offense hasn't necessarily been firing on all cylinders, it is a talented group with the potential to produce big numbers on any given week. It's unclear at this point if Joey Porter Jr. (back) will make his season debut on Sunday, and with Jamel Dean (ankle) also questionable to suit up, Pittsburgh could be without two of its top corners in a matchup against arguably the league's best receiver duo. The Steelers check in as the No. 23 DST in RotoBaller's Week 3 rankings, so fantasy managers should be able to find a safer option in a more favorable matchup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Steelers D/ST Worth Starting Against New England
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense looked great in its season-opening victory over the Atlanta Falcons and will look to carry that momentum into a Week 2 road matchup with the New England Patriots. While the Patriots' offense was dangerous in 2025, New England started this season on a sour note, scoring just 10 points as quarterback Drake Maye threw three interceptions. With wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) on Injured Reserve, Maye and the Patriots could continue to struggle offensively, even at home in Foxborough on Sunday. This contest is projected to be a relatively low-scoring affair, making the Pittsburgh DST a safe option with plenty of upside for fantasy purposes.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joey Porter Jr. Officially Inactive for Week 1
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (back) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. Porter had been listed as questionable, but he was trending in the wrong direction ahead of kickoff. The 26-year-old has been the topic of many headlines in recent months due to injury and contract negotiations. Porter should get back onto the field when he's healthy again, but the impasse in extension talks is certainly something to consider. The Steelers won't extend him in-season, so he'll either play out his contract year or be traded somewhere else early in the season. As long as he's sidelined, veteran cornerbacks Jamel Dean, Asante Samuel Jr., and Jalen Ramsey will handle more snaps on defense.
Source: Pittsburgh Steelers
Source: Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers D/ST a Must-Start in Week 1 Against Third-String Quarterback
The Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST already finds itself in must-start territory most weeks, but the importance of getting them into lineups has heightened ahead of Week 1. Their opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, recently ruled out Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), leaving third-string quarterback Cooper Rush (back spasms) in line to start on Sunday afternoon. Rush has been dealing with back spasms, but he reportedly feels well enough to play in the season opener. As the Falcons continued to deal with bad quarterback news recently, the Steelers' fantasy ranking skyrocketed. Fueled by star pass rusher T.J. Watt, this unit now ranks as the #2 D/ST in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joey Porter Jr. Unlikely to Play in Sunday's Season Opener
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (back) is expected to be inactive for Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Porter had been listed as questionable, but his status appears to be trending in the wrong direction with kickoff just four hours away. Beyond the injury, there's also a potential trade factor to consider here. Porter previously requested a trade due to unresolved extension negotiations, and given that the Steelers don't sign extensions in-season, Porter could be dealt within the next few weeks. In fact, Rapoport and Schefter report an "early-season trade is very possible," while noting that the Steelers have yet to receive a trade offer they feel comfortable accepting. In the short-term, his absence should lead to a bigger defensive role for veterans Jamel Dean, Jalen Ramsey, and Asante Samuel Jr. They'll be going up against a Falcons offense led by third-string quarterback Cooper Rush.
Source: Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter
Source: Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter
Joey Porter Jr. Activated From PUP List
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (back) has been activated from the PUP list and is officially on the team's initial 53-man roster. Porter missed all of training camp, and prior to suffering the injury, he had been seeking a new contract. It's unclear whether those talks will continue into the regular season, but the good news is that it doesn't seem like Porter has any plans to let his contract status impact his availability. He should be on the field for the Steelers' season opener against the Falcons on September 13, lining up alongside fellow projected starting cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Jalen Ramsey.
Source: Pittsburgh Steelers
Source: Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers at Contract "Impasse" with Joey Porter Jr.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (back) have reached an "impasse" in contract negotiations, head coach Mike McCarthy told Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com. Porter is currently on the PUP list, and while his back injury isn't expected to linger into the regular season, the contract issue could have an impact on his workload for Week 1. The 26-year-old defender is coming off a solid season in which he tallied 52 tackles, one sack, and one interception across 14 games. McCarthy said that he hopes to have the opportunity to coach Porter soon, and teammate Jalen Ramsey also delivered public comments in which he said the Steelers "[have] got to pay" the Penn State product. We'll see if that comes to fruition within the next couple of weeks, though. If not, there's no guarantee that Porter suits up for the Steelers' season opener Sept. 13 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Source: Brooke Pryor
Source: Brooke Pryor
