Pittsburgh Steelers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated wide receiver Ben Skowronek from the practice squad to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. The 27-year-old was elevated last week, too, but only played on special teams. Pittsburgh will rely on its running game and defense to win games this year, so there isn't much room for the Steelers' depth receivers to make a significant impact. Skowronek remains off the fantasy radar heading into Week 2.

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was incredible in Week 1 and will hope to have another busy outing against the Denver Broncos. Pittsburgh's offense did not show enough last week to be trusted to move the ball consistently, but it may not matter if the defense continues to generate turnovers that give the Steelers great field position. It's important to note that Sunday's contest has been given the lowest projected point total of the week, so the chances of an offensive outpouring are extremely slim. Fantasy managers rolling with Boswell will be chasing a similar game script to what they saw last week, and they could very well get it in this matchup. The 33-year-old can be viewed as a low-end starting option in Week 2.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was somewhat quiet to start the 2024 campaign but will be looking to build chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields in a Week 2 bout with the Denver Broncos. This is the perfect matchup for Freiermuth to take advantage of as the Broncos surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season. Furthermore, lockdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II will likely be assigned to receiver George Pickens for most of the contest, which could result in additional opportunities for Freiermuth. Pickens and Freiermuth were the only two Steelers to earn more than two targets in Week 1. Pittsburgh's offense is difficult to get excited about, but fantasy managers should be intrigued by Freiermuth as a low-end TE1 on Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens operated as the favorite weapon of quarterback Justin Fields last week and will hope to find continued success against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Unfortunately for the Steelers and fantasy managers alike, Pickens will likely be shadowed by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Surtain, the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, held Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf to just 29 yards on three receptions in Week 1. Pickens should still earn a respectable target share given Pittsburgh's lack of proven commodities at receiver, but fantasy managers must keep their expectations in check heading into Sunday's contest. The 23-year-old should be viewed as a WR3 or flex option this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren saw only four opportunities last week but will hope to be more involved against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Although Warren practiced in full leading up to Pittsburgh's season opener, it's fair to wonder if the team planned to limit his usage in his first game action since returning from a hamstring injury. If the 25-year-old gets additional work on Sunday, he could post solid numbers against a Denver defense that has struggled to stop the run since the beginning of the 2023 campaign. His pass-catching skillset gives him some appeal in PPR formats, but fantasy managers should not consider Warren as anything more than a low-end flex option until they see him split touches more evenly with running mate Najee Harris.