Aaron Rodgers Impact On Steelers WRs DK Metcalf And Michael Pittman Jr.
In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Unest.
Aaron Rodgers never makes things easy, but all indications point to him officially re-signing with the Steelers in the near future.
And honestly? While I’m just as exhausted by the shenanigans as the Steelers front office, it’s much better than staring down the barrel of Will Howard and/or Drew Allar throwing balls to these WRs.
Rodgers is extremely unlikely to be relevant for fantasy on his own—he finished as the QB29 last year with a wimpy 13.3 points per game—but he certainly can support some fantasy production for his WRs … the question is just how many of them.
There are three intriguing names for us to consider:
DK Metcalf, the incumbent - This is a tricky one. Metcalf is cheaper than he’s ever been in drafts (WR37 right now on Underdog; Round 7), but his production cratered last year—33rd in TPRR (21.4%), 26th in target share (22%) and 25th in PPR PPG (12.1).
He now has to compete with a new target hog—more on him below—but maybe he can offset the volume hit with more efficiency and TDs?
Michael Pittman Jr., the new veteran addition - Pittman (WR49, Round 10) looks like a great fit with Rodgers, who averaged a league-low 6.0 intended air yards per pass attempt.
If that trend continues (and there’s no reason to think it won’t unless Rodgers found some magical stem cell treatment in the rainforest or something), that is clearly Pittman’s music as an underneath possession receiver and chain mover.
Germie Bernard, the rookie - The Round 2 pick (WR74; Round 16) should pretty easily earn the WR3 role. Dwain McFarland’s projection model has him at a 13% target share, which isn’t nothing.
The takeaway? All of these guys are on the radar as solid selections considering their palatable price tags, but I do find myself gravitating to the cheaper options. The rookie, in particular, looks like one of the more intriguing late-round selections you can make when you factor in his draft capital and clear runway to playing time.
Now we just need to pray Rodgers doesn’t rug us …
Bank on Drake Maye’s Rise to Stardom
For all the people who a year ago were calling Drake Maye a sleeper, who could have predicted a near-MVP season? After passing for 4,394 yards and 31 TDs, adding in 450 rushing yards and 4 scores, and finishing tied for fourth with 20.4 fantasy points per game, Maye has risen the ranks to superstar status. He’ll be 24, is projected for another big year and forward-thinking fantasy managers can see Maye as a QB they can count on for years to come.
UNest works the same way. You don't wait until your kid is 16 to start building their financial future. You start now, when time is your single greatest advantage. A tax-advantaged investment account that grows with your child, set up in under 10 minutes. The long game is always the smartest play, on the field and off it.
Join Our Newsletter
Trusted by 400,000+ fantasy football players. Get access to Fantasy Life's free award winning newsletter and tools, all in one step.
By registering or logging in, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Editors’ Picks
In about 3+ months when you’re OTC in your draft, you’ll be glad for taking a few moments to read this great content …
Saints March on NFC South?
Are the Saints this year’s Patriots? Matt LaMarca breaks down the similarities, as well as the odds of two other teams to go over/under their projected wins before the NFL schedule release.
Bengals 2026 Cheat Sheet
The Bengals will ride as high as Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and company take them. Dwain McFarland and Ian Hartitz provide quick-hitting analysis on one of the funnest teams for fantasy goodness.
DROY Odds
Rueben Bain or David Bailey, who you got for DROY? Adam Kaufman identifies who are the favorites and a longshot for the coveted award.
Running Back Handcuff Tiers: S is for …
Handcuffs? For fantasy football, some people are into that sorta thing. And for those who are, Ian Hartitz does a really thorough job of putting them in tiers. Blake Corum? TreVeyon Henderson? They might be starters some places. Ian even channels Lloyd Christmas for some players who are clear longshots for playing time, but you really never know. These tier breakdowns are helpful when it comes to either drafting these players late or taking chances on rookies at other positions. But take them before kickers.⤵️
Is the ADP Price Just Right for Jadarian?
It really looks like Jadarian Price is going to be one of the most hotly debated players this draft season. On the one hand he’s a very talented runner, athletic (4.50 40-yard dash) and had first-round draft capital to the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. On the other hand, he was never the starter at Notre Dame —even playing with future NFL talents Jeremiyah Love and Audric Estime.
Even in a backfield where arguably the best healthy RB is the lightly accomplished Emanuel Wilson—Zach Charbonnet will be less than seven months past ACL surgery when the season starts—Price is dealing with a new OC and the usual rookie learning curve. Kody Malstrom goes into further depth to see if the Price is right at this ADP.
Around the Watercooler
Our merry band of football nerds is back and bringing you the latest news, content and memes from the NFL universe …
🥶 Jauan Jennings has a new home. Cold outside, but plenty warm indoors.
👀 Since Kyler Murray got another weapon. Time to rise him up the rankings.
🙌 K9 in Tier 3 RBs? Some good company.
🕶️ Blind tier Rankings for QBs. Where to put Bo Nix?
💪 I don’t fall for spring workout clips, but … I am excited for this back in fantasy.
😯 A super deep rookie WR sleeper? Some glowing praise from Ben Johnson.
🔮 Want to simulate the 2027 NFL Draft? Knock yourself out.
🏈 The Saints added more than one WR. Trey’s little brother has some juice.
RB Handcuff Rankings
And if you want to hear Ian talking about the RB Handcuff Tiers, let’s see what he thinks of Mike Washington and other rookies going into backup roles. And after listening, please remember to subscribe to this new channel.
Go FantasyLife+
Your league is unique. Your advice should be too. Get personalized tools, rankings, and projections tailored to your fantasy football league settings.
Published