Pittsburgh Steelers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

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.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 22 of his 39 pass attempts for 229 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He added 16 rushing yards on two carries. Pittsburgh's offense struggled with turnovers early on in the contest and quickly trailed 21-0 soon after Rudolph was picked off Buffalo's end zone. The 28-year-old battled back, however, and led the Steelers on three scoring drives. He connected with wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Calvin Austin III on short touchdown passes that brought the team within seven points of the Bills in the fourth quarter. Although his efforts ultimately came up short, Rudolph was solid in his postseason debut. The Steelers will need to figure out numerous things this offseason, including their plans for the quarterback position in 2024.

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled his lone field goal and converted on both of his extra-point tries in a Week 18 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. The veteran will hope to find continued success against the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs. This is a difficult matchup for Boswell and the Steelers as the Bills have surrendered just 14.8 points per game when playing at Highmark Stadium this season. Furthermore, Sunday's contest is expected to be a slow-paced battle with gusting winds and snow limiting offensive production. Weather conditions in Buffalo could keep Boswell off the field for much of the game, so fantasy managers should consider other options this weekend.

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.