2019 Record and Finish:

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished their 2019-2020 campaign with a record of 8-8 (No Playoffs) for a .500 winning percentage. This was good enough to finish second in the AFC North and BARELY miss the playoffs by one game.

Returning Starters:

Offensive Side: 10

Defensive Side: 11

Pittsburgh Steelers Key Additions:

EDGE Bud Dupree (franchise tag)
FB Derek Watt (signed for three-years, $9.75 million, $3.25 million guaranteed)
G Stefen Wisniewski (signed for two-years, $2.85 million)
TE Eric Ebron (signed for two-years, $12 million)
DI Chris Wormley (via trade)

Pittsburgh Steelers Season Outlook:

For the Steelers, 2020 is ALL about redemption. From Ben Roethlisberger’s revenge tour to finding that postseason berth for the first time in three years, everyone in Pittsburgh has something to prove this season. There is plenty of doubt going into this season for this team. Many have little faith in a 38-year-old quarterback coming back from serious injury and a fourth-year wide receiver who seriously underperformed last year.

Mike Tomlin isn’t on the hot seat, but some sure love to say he needs to be. After proving he’s more than capable of stringing together wins without the key players, he’s looking to do even more with them back. Don’t sleep on the Pittsburgh Steelers, even in the slightest bit, this year. There are too many chess pieces returning to the field, with too much to prove, to think this season is going to be a bust. The playoffs aren’t a 100% lock for the Steelers this year but don’t be surprised if you see them make a deep run.

Win Total (Over/Under)

The Steelers could easily go 9-7 if they don’t pull through in the toss-up games against Houston, Philadelphia, and Dallas, but I doubt that’s going to be the case. When the Steelers return back to their dominant ways, I say they finish the season at either 11-5 or 12-4, which is not too optimistic at all. The Steelers have one of the league’s best defenses, a returning Pro Bowl quarterback, more depth all around, and the NFL’s second-easiest schedule. Considering the Baltimore Ravens could be the next 16-0 team, and some road opponents could sneak upon them, the Steelers are looking at four losses that seem really realistic. If you want to be conservative about your money, bet on Pittsburgh to stay under 8.5 wins. But in all honesty, go big or go home. Throw all your money on the Steelers for over 10.5.

Fantasy Player to Watch:

James Connor

Other than Ben Rothlisberger, the Steelers have options in this category. When moving to the RB role, you have the powerhouse, James Conner. After a breakout year in 2018, his 2019 year was a big let down. He finished with 464 yards rushing, 251 yards receiving, seven rush touchdowns, and three receiving touchdowns in 10 games played. He was bitten by the injury bug almost all year which lead him to not perform anywhere close to where his ceiling is. Provided he stays injury-free, Conner might be your best bet if you need a reliable back to be your RB1 or RB2. Now comes the Steelers best plays when it comes to fantasy players, their wide receivers.

Wide Receivers

JuJu Smith-Schuster was supposed to take the WR1 role in 2019 after the void Antonio Brown left, but instead ended up being a liability to fantasy owners. There were multiple reasons for a struggling season, which includes QB issues paired with knee and foot injuries suffered during the year. On the other hand, receivers James Washington and Diontae Johnson developed a rapport with the Steelers’ backup QBs and shined in 2019. Washington finished the season with 44 receptions, 735 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Johnson led the unit in receptions (59), touchdowns (five), and targets. He finished with 680 yards and 11.5 yards per catch.

Their last option is a new draft pick and rookie, Chase Claypool out of Notre Dame. Claypool is huge and brings another body who needs targets. The newest Steelers receiver finished with a breakout senior season in 2019. He amassed 66 receptions, 1,037 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns, and 15.7 yards per catch. It’s safe to say Claypool will get a fair amount of playing time, and with Smith-Schuster locked in as the WR1, the Notre Dame product will cut into Washington and Johnson’s targets. Regardless, it’s hard to trust any other Steelers receiver other than Smith-Schuster in fantasy. Claypool has yet to show his NFL potential and Washington/Johnson are still young, rather unproven players. All three aside from Smith-Schuster could be fighting for targets to stand out as a WR2 on the team.

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