THE Pittsburgh Steelers managed to secure a victory in their season opener last week against the Atlanta Falconsbut quarterback Justin Fields, running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Pat Freiermuth were all relatively quiet.
To be fair to those three, the Steelers’ offense as a whole was quiet, as Pittsburgh failed to score a single touchdown and needed six field goals to beat the Falcons.
Fields 17 out of 23 passes completed for 156 yards without a point and added 14 carries for 57 yards. Warren barely existed in Week 1, seeing just four touches that he converted into 20 yards from scrimmage.
Freiermuth ended up being the second-leading receiver in receptions and yards, but he only had four receptions for 27 yards in the end.
With all of that in mind, should any of these three players be on your fantasy football team when they take on the Denver Broncos in week 2? Let’s break this down.
Jaylen Warren’s Starting or Stopping Tips
Jaylen Warren: Sit down
Warren was barely involved in the offense in Week 1, with the former undrafted free agent seeing just two carries and two receptions for 20 yards from scrimmage. His 21 snaps were also the fewest he’s had in a game. since week 16 of 2022.
Meanwhile, fellow guard Najee Harris dominated in touches (21) and Warren even fell behind veteran guard Cordarrelle Patterson in carries (4-2).
It’s very possible the Steelers simply wanted to bring him back after he missed significant time this offseason with a hamstring injury. On Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin admitted that Warren could not be all the way back but it could be another tough week for him.
Until we see a major increase in snaps and touches, Warren can’t be trusted in lineups.
Tips for Justin Fields as a starter or backup
Justin Fields: Sitting
Although it has not yet been confirmed, Fields is on the right track to start in week two as Russell Wilson continues to work his way back from a calf injury.
Fields still looks like the passer we saw in Chicago, which means he still relies heavily on his legs for his fantasy production. Even with 14 carries in Week 1, Fields only rushed for 57 yards, which wasn’t enough to overcome his pedestrian passing production (156 yards, no touchdowns).
Fields’ backfield is certainly safer than some of the available options, but his potential may be limited due to his poor passing ability. You should be able to find a more reliable option at quarterback this early in the season.
Pat Freiermuth’s Starting or Seating Tips
Pat Freiermuth: Beginning
Despite this being their first regular-season game together, Freiermuth has been the second-most targeted receiver by Fields. Part of that is out of necessity, as Fields simply doesn’t have many reliable options to throw to.
Those options could be further reduced this week, as No. 1 receiver George Pickens will have a tough matchup with Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Start Freiermuth with a healthy dose of confidence this week.
