In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter:
I honestly have no clue what the Steelers are doing right now.
First, they went from having two starting-caliber QBs on their roster to a room led by Mason Rudolph, and I did not speak out—because I assumed they would draft a QB.
Spoiler, they did not—Ohio State’s Will Howard getting picked in the sixth round is more project than projected starter (sorry, Ian).
Then they traded George Pickens to the Cowboys, and I did not speak out—because I was honestly pretty excited about the prospect of Pickens catching balls from Dak Prescott instead of Rudolph.
But then I learned that they recently had conversations with the Dolphins about trading for Jonnu Smith, and I decided that it’s ENOUGH ALREADY.
It’s time to speak out.
Like, what in the hell is going on in Pittsburgh? A TE2 has to be about the 19th most important need for that organization right now. Can we please get serious?
Their lack of urgency at the QB position (sorry, sitting around waiting for Aaron Rodgers to finish his game of “He loves me … he loves me not” doesn’t count) would seemingly indicate that they are tanking.
And yet, Mike Tomlin—a man who has had 18 consecutive seasons without a losing record—seems incapable of punting a season for the greater organizational good.
I truly have no idea what the vision is here. In fact, I’m going to outsource it to Ian, who was given the unfortunate task of previewing the Steelers 2025 outlook for today’s newsletter (see below).
Thank you for your service, Ian …
BUT FIRST, SUPERFLEX DRAFT STRATEGIES FOR FIRST-TIMERS
Which Steelers RB Should You Target?
As things currently stand early in the offseason, Kaleb Johnson (RB26 in Fantasy Life’s rankings) and Jaylen Warren (RB34) both carry an affordable price tag inside the new-look Pittsburgh backfield.
How should they be approached in drafts? Just ask Ian Hartitz …
“The departure of Najee Harris means Jaylen Warren should lead the way in Pittsburgh.
Shoutout to Warren, AKA Gen-Z Austin Ekeler, for ranking first in tackles avoided per carry (29.8%) and sixth in explosive run rate (9.5%) since entering the league in 2022. The man is a capital-D DOG with the football in his hands.
While part of this is the reality that Warren's pass-catching prowess leads to him often getting to attack lighter boxes, a featured role consisting of around 200 carries with bunches of targets (similar to what Ekeler had in Los Angeles) could be borderline erotic for fantasy purposes.
Of course, it's not exactly a guarantee that Warren receives anything close to a bell-cow role here. Arthur Smith has historically leaned on multiple RBs, and third-rounder Kaleb Johnson sure looks like a decent bet to lead the way on early downs.
Johnson is just the RB8 in Dwain McFarland's Rookie RB Super Model, although there certainly is potential for volume to win out. Early Fantasy Life Projections have the Steelers deploying the following split:
- Warren: 151 carries, 56 targets (RB25 in half-PPR scoring)
- Johnson: 222 carries, 15 targets (RB29)
Zero-RB drafters should take grace in the fact that this backfield features two talents priced as RB3s in an offense that figures to again be fairly run-heavy. I've been comfortable taking shots on both backs during early offseason drafts, but do prefer Warren thanks to the aforementioned pass-game upside.”
Wait, pass-game upside? Is there upside in the Steelers passing game? 👀⬇️
HOW DOES DK METCALF CHANGE THIS OFFENSE?
One Less Week Until Kickoff, One More Week of Data
As we inch closer to Week 1 of the 2025 season, early offseason drafts are picking up at Underdog Fantasy. While these are best ball drafts, they’re the most reliable drafts for ADP data this early in the offseason.
Why? Because real people are putting down real money to draft.
They’re putting their money where their mouth is with player takes, and ADPs are shifting because of it—let’s look at the biggest ADP risers and fallers over the last week:
Turns out that partying on a boat during voluntary OTAs and trade rumors don’t instill confidence in drafters, huh?
Track all of the latest ADP movements and find your gems (and fades) here. ⬇️
A Hidden Gem or Offseason Overhype?
'Even though every dynasty league has its unique nuances, it's helpful to take off the blinders and get a sense of what the general community is doing and how they feel about certain players.
The easiest way to do this is to navigate over to the “Players” tab in the Sleeper app. Here, you can see who’s trending up and down, based on adds and drops in active leagues.
So, who’s all the rage these days in dynasty land?
🥁🥁 The Most Added Player in Dynasty is 🥁🥁
Jacob Cowing, WR | 49ers
41% rostered in Sleeper leagues
Why is he the top-added dynasty player? Well, that's the question. Per Sam Wallace …
“With OTAs up and running, recent practice news is about all we have to go on, and it just so happens that Cowing has been seeing first-team reps. Deebo Samuel is with the Commanders, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is still working his way back, and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) is already banged up, so that has left the door open for Cowing to earn some primary reps.
We'll see if this turns into anything fantasy-relevant, but I can understand the frantic urge to stash Cowing in early June. The 49ers have had a historically fantasy-friendly offense, and with Brock Purdy under contract and the pass-catching room poised to look a bit different, I would be stashing Cowing where you can.”
Who else are people running—not walking—to the Sleeper app to pounce on, and how should you prioritize them? ⬇️
IS THIS WR A SLEEPER IN WASHINGTON?
Around the Watercooler
The latest NFL news and fantasy football analysis from our merry band of football nerds
😆 Don’t worry, Pittsburgh. Here is the answer to your offensive woes.
💤 Don’t sleep on these players past pick 100.
🦶 Not a great start to the year for Kyle Pitts. It might not be joever, but it feels joever.
🎯 Should you target these dual-threat QBs?
🎞️ Behind the scenes of the Panthers 2025 NFL Draft. Very cool footage.
👬 Baker Mayfield’s twin? Didn’t see that coming.
🤔 You’re OTC with the 1.11. Who ya got?
📩 Kickers or no kickers? The age-old debate.
