Pittsburgh Steelers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell has been incredibly reliable thus far this season but will face his toughest test yet in the team's home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers defense has been stout through two weeks, surrendering the fewest points and second-fewest offensive yards in the NFL. Because this is expected to be a sluggish, low-scoring affair, it is difficult to project Boswell for a ton of involvement. Fantasy managers would be wise to look elsewhere for a starting option this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been quiet to start his fourth professional campaign and will hope to turn things around against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. Although the Chargers have surrendered the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends through two weeks of the season, this contest isn't expected to offer much in the way of offensive firepower. That said, Freiermuth is tied for the team lead in receptions and has the second-most targets in Pittsburgh thus far this season, so his role in the offense should remain consistent. Given the landscape of the tight end position in fantasy right now, there are very few options that offer both a high ceiling and a safe floor. Freiermuth seems to have the latter, making him a fine yet uninspiring low-end TE1 or high-end TE2 on Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was given 11 total opportunities in Week 2 and should continue to see his role expand in the team's home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. This contest is expected to be slow-paced and low-scoring with both teams leaning heavily on the run. Warren isn't likely to receive more carries than backfield mate Najee Harris, but the former has been the more efficient and explosive runner with more consistent usage as a pass-catcher. On paper, this is a difficult matchup for Warren as the Chargers rank bottom-five in the league this season in rushing yards allowed. However, Los Angeles gave up plenty of production to fantasy running backs in 2023, especially those involved in the passing game. The 25-year-old Warren isn't the most exciting fantasy option this week but he should see enough work to warrant flex consideration.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has looked every bit the part of a WR1 in 2024 but is yet to score as a top-24 fantasy option in half-PPR formats. He'll hope to change that at home against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. This is projected to be a low-scoring, run-heavy affair, but if both defenses continue to defend the run as well as they have through two weeks, shots will need to be taken downfield. Pickens is not only the clear favorite target of quarterback Justin Fields but also the premier vertical threat in Pittsburgh. Although the third-year pro could disappoint if the Steelers struggle to move the ball, he offers plenty of upside as a WR2 or flex option in most fantasy leagues.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (hand) is off the injury report and is set to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The 26-year-old wideout did not practice on Wednesday due to a hand injury but returned as a full participant on Thursday. He now enters the weekend without an injury designation. Fantasy managers should expect Metcalf to serve as the No.1 option for Geno Smith this weekend. After catching only three passes in the opening week, Metcalf caught ten passes for 129 yards and a score against the New England Patriots last week. Fantasy managers should view Metcalf as a high-end WR2 this weekend and should be locked into all starting lineups.