Team Profile
Pittsburgh Steelers
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-2.1% 17thOff DVOA
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20.3% 15thPassing DVOA
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-8.8% 17thRushing DVOA
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-6.8% 7thDef DVOA
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-2.4% 8thDef Passing DVOA
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-12.7% 12thDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
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Points For24.3 12th
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Points Against21.3 8th
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Yards Per Game326.0 18th
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Yards Allowed Per Game317.0 8th
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quez Watkins caught three of four targets for 12 yards during the team's 9-32 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 25-year-old was not able to do much, even with the absence of A.J. Brown (knee) and the early exit of Julio Jones (concussion). DeVonta Smith accounted for 148 of the 250 receiving yards Monday night and remained the only competent fantasy wide receiver for the Eagles not named Brown. After an underwhelming 2022, Watkins ended 2023 with just 15 receptions and could be looking for a new home this offseason. He is no longer a hold in Dynasty fantasy formats.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III hauled in one of his two targets for a seven-yard touchdown in the team's wild-card round loss to the Buffalo Bills. The 24-year-old did not see much utilization on Monday but made the most of his opportunities. His score came early in the fourth quarter on a short pass from quarterback Mason Rudolph to pull the Steelers within seven points of Buffalo's lead. Although Austin did not make an impact for fantasy purposes this season, he flashed at times and could be given an expanded role in his second professional campaign. Austin is worth a look as a stash in deep dynasty formats.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth hauled in five of his eight targets for 76 yards in a 31-17 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. Following a quiet end to the regular season, Freiermuth was involved early and often on Monday. The 25-year-old was responsible for Pittsburgh's longest play of the contest, a 33-yard catch and run on a deep pass from quarterback Mason Rudolph in the first quarter. He suffered an ankle injury late in the loss that limited his snaps on Pittsburgh's final possessions. It was a disappointing third professional campaign for Freiermuth, who dealt with multiple injuries in 2023, most notably a hamstring strain that kept him sidelined for five games. He will head into the offseason with one year left on his contract and will likely be the subject of extension negotiations.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught five of his 11 targets for 50 yards and picked up 15 rushing yards on his lone carry of a wild-card round loss to the Buffalo Bills. Pickens came down with a few impressive grabs in the contest but also made a costly mistake when he lost a fumble on Pittsburgh's third offensive possession. Buffalo had already held a 7-0 lead and quickly went up by two touchdowns following the fumble recovery. The 22-year-old managed to bounce back and operated as a go-to guy for Mason Rudolph down the stretch. Despite dealing with inconsistent quarterback play all season, Pickens turned in an incredibly productive campaign and will look to further establish himself as one of the league's most exciting young receivers next season.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled eight carries for 38 yards and two receptions for 16 yards in the team's wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills. Although Warren was more efficient than backfield mate Najee Harris, neither player made much of an impact on Monday. Pittsburgh struggled early on in the contest and was forced to throw after surrendering 21 quick points. Despite ending the season with disappointment, the 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in which he totaled over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and ranked third amongst all NFL running backs in yards per carry. He should retain a prominent role in the Steelers' offense along with Harris next season.