Team Profile
Pittsburgh Steelers
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-3.5% 21stOff DVOA
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18.8% 16thPassing DVOA
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-8.8% 19thRushing DVOA
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-6% 10thDef DVOA
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3.4% 12thDef Passing DVOA
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-19.2% 7thDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
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Points For25.2 10th
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Points Against18.4 5th
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Yards Per Game326.0 18th
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Yards Allowed Per Game303.0 7th
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed each of his two pass attempts for 26 yards in a 24-17 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions. George Pickens was the only player targeted by Wilson on the team's first drive of the contest. The duo connected for a 32-yard gain that eventually set up a Cordarrelle Patterson rushing touchdown. Although head coach Mike Tomlin declined to name a Week 1 starter on Saturday, the team certainly gave Wilson QB1 treatment when it pulled him from the preseason finale after one scoring drive. If Wilson struggles early in the regular season, Justin Fields could push for the starting job, making the veteran a risky selection as a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy drafts.
Houston Texans wide receiver Ben Skowronek (leg) returned to practice this week after being out for around a week with a leg injury. The former Ram was impressing in the early goings of training camp according to reports, but he was unable to play in their latest preseason game due to the leg issue. Now that he's back in practice, he'll continue to compete to be a part of one of the deepest receiver corps in the league. Just to make the team as a depth option, he'll be battling with Robert Woods, John Metchie III, and Noah Brown. If Skowronek does make the team, he's not likely to be a viable fantasy option any time soon.
Justin Fields believes he has demonstrated his capability to be the Steelers' starting quarterback despite the team still listing Russell Wilson as QB1 on the depth chart for Saturday's preseason game. Fields expressed confidence in his performance, saying, "I think the time I had with the first-team offense during training camp went well. We made progress each day, but ultimately, it's not up to me." Fields directed questions about his depth chart position to head coach Mike Tomlin. Over two preseason games, Fields has completed 16 of 23 passes for 159 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions and three sacks. He has also rushed for 44 yards on 11 carries. Given the opportunity, Fields could prove to be a significant player. While Wilson is expected to be a QB2/QB3 fantasy option, Fields has the potential to be a top-10 QB fantasy asset. Fantasy managers should watch this situation closely, and hope Fields gets his chance.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin recently addressed the quarterback situation, confirming that Russell Wilson (calf) will start in the preseason finale. When asked if Wilson remains the starting quarterback, Tomlin affirmed, "Nothing's changed regarding their positions, and yes, he will start." While it's not surprising that Wilson will play, his status as the starter is notable given the concerns raised after his performance in Week 2 of the preseason against the Bills. Wilson struggled in that game, throwing for just 47 yards on ten attempts and taking three sacks for 21 yards lost. This preseason game was Wilson's first live-action since early January and followed a period of missing significant training camp time due to a calf injury. As such, Wilson is considered a late QB2 or early QB3 with uncertain job security, though he could be a viable option in favorable matchups.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) and rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (knee) will not suit up for the preseason finale on Saturday against the Detroit Lions. Wilson sprained his ankle almost three weeks ago and will end up not playing at all in the preseason. Fautanu sprained his knee in the preseason opener but said on Tuesday that he expects to be physically ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener, where he's likely to start at right tackle. Wilson, a 23-year-old third-round pick, has lost plenty of important developmental time this summer heading into his first year in the NFL, but he could still have a substantial role eventually given Pittsburgh's lack of receiving depth behind George Pickens. For now, though, fantasy managers in standard 12-team leagues can probably avoid him on draft day.UPDATE: Wilson said he hopes to be back soon.