Team Profile
Pittsburgh Steelers
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-3.5% 21stOff DVOA
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18.7% 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 tight end Pat Freiermuth will be making the second postseason appearance of his career against the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round. Freiermuth's utilization has been inconsistent all season, making him difficult to depend on for fantasy purposes. In addition, the Bills have been stout against tight ends, allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to the position in 2023. With the winter weather in Buffalo expected to limit the potential for offensive firepower on Sunday, fantasy managers should view Freiermuth as a last-resort starting option.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens ended the regular season as the fantasy WR26 in half-PPR scoring and will hope to make an impact in his NFL postseason debut against the Buffalo Bills. Pickens did not receive a target in last week's win over the Ravens as both teams battled through rainy conditions. Unfortunately, he'll need to try and overcome the elements once again to bounce back on Sunday. Heavy snow and vicious winds are expected in Buffalo, which could greatly reduce Pittsburgh's chances of success through the air. Because Pickens primarily operates as a downfield threat, volume is not guaranteed in this matchup. The 22-year-old should be viewed as a boom-or-bust WR2 option this weekend.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is set to make his NFL postseason debut in a wild-card bout with the Buffalo Bills. Although Najee Harris has been leading the charge for Pittsburgh's running game as of late, Warren should see plenty of opportunities on Sunday as well. Extreme winter weather conditions are expected in Buffalo which could make things difficult for quarterback Mason Rudolph and the Steelers' passing attack. Warren should mix in with Harris frequently on the ground and additionally operate as a dependable check-down option. Fantasy managers can consider the second-year pro as a solid RB2 this weekend.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris closed out the regular season on a high note and will look to carry some positive momentum into a wild-card showdown with the Buffalo Bills. The 25-year-old missed practice earlier this week with a knee injury but has since logged multiple full sessions and does not carry a game status heading into the weekend. Although the Bills have been a middle-of-the-pack run defense this season, Harris could be in line for a big day. With weather conditions in Buffalo expected to significantly limit explosive plays for both teams, Pittsburgh will likely lean on its running game with Harris and backfield mate Jaylen Warren. The third-year pro is the preferred fantasy option in this contest and should be viewed as a volume-based RB1.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins will go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the NFL playoffs. The 25-year-old saw heavy usage against the New York Giants last week, with DeVonta Smith missing the game due to an ankle injury and A.J. Brown (knee) exiting early. Watkins now has the chance to suit up as the No. 2 option behind Smith in the Eagles most important game of the season if Brown is ruled out for Monday night. Tampa Bay is a great matchup, as the Buccaneers allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2023. Watkins will be a great value pick in DFS if Brown is inactive, but he has been incredibly boom or bust in the past, so tread carefully.