Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields may see the field sooner than anticipated in a Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Mike Tomlin hinted at a potential package for the 25-year-old last week, but Fields could be in line to draw the start on Sunday with Russell Wilson (calf) limited on Friday and highly questionable to suit up. Even in his first start as a Steeler, Fields should immediately be considered amongst the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks. The Falcons surrendered plenty of production to opposing quarterbacks in 2023 and Fields has averaged nearly 19 fantasy points per game over the past two years. Fantasy managers that opted to pass on the early-round quarterbacks should add Fields and monitor the status of Wilson heading into Sunday. Fields' abilities as a runner give him a safe floor and high ceiling as a starting-caliber fantasy QB1 when under center.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth just secured a long-term extension and will look to carry positive momentum into a Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. There are many questions surrounding the new-look Steelers offense, including who will start at quarterback on Sunday, but Freiermuth could nonetheless be in line for a productive outing. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been known to heavily feature tight ends and Atlanta surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to the position last season. Freiermuth may not offer the same upside as many of the elite tight ends, but fantasy managers who drafted him shouldn't go searching the waiver wire to replace him in this matchup. He projects as a top-15 option and is especially viable in PPR formats.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson will face off against his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, in Week 1. Jefferson has flashed potential since entering the league in 2020 and begins his fifth professional season with an opportunity to become the WR2 in Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old impressed throughout camp and drew praise from the Steelers' coaching staff all summer. Unfortunately, he'll have his work cut out for him on Sunday against a Falcons defense that limited wideouts to the sixth-fewest fantasy points in the NFL last season. Jefferson's role in new play-caller Arthur Smith's offense is worth monitoring but he is best left on fantasy waiver wires for now.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens finished as the fantasy WR26 last season and will be looking to establish himself as a true No. 1 option in 2024. His first opportunity to do so will come against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Atlanta was stout against opposing wideouts in 2023, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the position. To make matters worse, it is currently unclear who will throw Pickens the ball on Sunday with quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) officially listed as questionable. The good news for fantasy managers is that Wilson or Justin Fields under center should be a clear upgrade for Pickens compared to the Steelers' quarterbacks of the past two years. Pittsburgh demonstrated its confidence in Pickens as a WR1 when it traded away Diontae Johnson in March, setting up the 23-year-old for a breakout campaign. There is risk in relying on Pickens this week, but he offers a high ceiling as a low-end WR2 or flex play despite a difficult matchup.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris is set to begin his fourth professional campaign against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Although the Steelers conducted one of the least productive offenses in the NFL last season, Harris still managed to rush for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns. The 26-year-old will have an opportunity to best those numbers in 2024 behind what should be an improved offensive line and with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith calling plays. Atlanta poses a difficult challenge for Harris as the Falcons surrendered the fifth-fewest fantasy points to the running back position in 2023. With Jaylen Warren returning from a hamstring injury, however, Harris should be expected to lead Pittsburgh's backfield and thus projects as a viable RB2 or flex option in most fantasy lineups.