The Steelers’ offense started the year with Justin Fields at quarterback and had some decent outings but struggled to open up the passing game. Despite a 4-2 record, Mike Tomlin made the switch to Wilson in Week 7 and Pittsburgh has gone on a three game winning streak since then. Wilson has been solid, posting a 6-to-1 TD-to-INT ratio and averaging 8.7 yards per pass attempt (his career-best season is 8.3 YPA). Wilson has made Pickens a consistent threat and has made the Steelers a more “on schedule” offense that works in a traditional fashion rather than relying on the legs of Fields. Harris has led the Steelers’ backfield so far, but Warren should be involved as long as he can stay healthy. Steelers ancillary receivers and tight ends have not done much to date, but that could change if they are pulled into higher-scoring game environments during the second half of the season.
In what is a bit of a scheduling anomaly, the Steelers have played nine games but have yet to face a divisional opponent. With eight games remaining on the schedule, the only two non-divisional games they have left are against the Eagles and the Chiefs during the fantasy playoffs. While the AFC North has a reputation as a division with strong defenses, that is not the case this season. Cleveland’s defense is not nearly as strong as it was in 2023, the Bengals defense is 27th in the league in DVOA, and the Ravens have turned into a pass-funnel defense that is giving up the most passing yards per game in the NFL. Considering those dynamics and the fact that the Eagles and Chiefs are such strong teams, there is a good chance that Pittsburgh is pulled into some high-scoring environments during the second half of the season.
