Week 17 Fantasy Football Start'em, Sit'em: Running Backs

If you're reading this, congratulations!

With most fantasy football leagues concluding after Week 17, there is no reason for you to be reading this if you weren't playing in your league's Championship Week.

Below you will find some players that could be starts or sits in your league, but my fantasy football rankings will better help you determine if I would start Player X over Player Y.

Week 17 Fantasy Football Start'em

Travis Etienne, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (at IND)

Etienne has scored 14-plus fantasy points in all but one game since Week 9. During that eight-game stretch, he has averaged the seventh-most fantasy points per game and has scored 10 total touchdowns (five rushing and five receiving). In fact, he's tied with Christian McCaffrey and Jahmyr Gibbs for the most touchdowns since that point. Nearly touchdown favorites over the Indianapolis Colts, the Jaguars have a top-six implied total this week.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots (at NYJ)

Currently in the league's concussion protocol, TreVeyon Henderson is very likely going to sit in Week 17. That opens the door for Stevenson, who had eight carries for 51 yards and a touchdown and two catches for 27 yards last week against the Baltimore Ravens. As 12.5-point favorites over the New York Jets, it's likely that the Patriots have many more than the 13 running back carries they had last week.

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (at CLE)

Jaylen Warren vs. Kaleb Johnson? (Many fantasy managers made the wrong decision based on ADP — Johnson was RB27, Warren was RB29.) While the Steelers have had two productive backs this season, it's been Warren and Gainwell (not Johnson).

Gainwell has already been heavily involved as a receiver, and DK Metcalf has been suspended for the final two regular-season games. In fact, the running back leads the team in receptions (62) and trails only Metcalf (99) in targets (72). Over his past six games, Gainwell has averaged 8.3 carries, 6.3 targets, 5.5 receptions and 94.6 YFS per game.

Week 17 Fantasy Football Sit'em

Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets (vs. NE)

Hall has a career-high 229 carries, but he has also set or tied career lows in YPC (4.2), yards per touch (4.9), and receptions per game (2.3). It's possible that you may still need to start Hall, and the good news is he should get enough touches to give you something. That said, the outlook is bad enough for the Jets that Hall is outside my top-24 fantasy running backs for the week and certainly not a must-start. He had 64 scoreless yards in the first matchup against the Patriots this season.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Carolina Panthers (vs. SEA)

From Weeks 5 to 9, who was better than Dowdle? The free-agent addition had three top-two fantasy finishes in five weeks, and only Jonathan Taylor and Christian McCaffrey averaged more fantasy points per game over that stretch. Since then, Dowdle still has averaged 17.5 touches per game, but he has finished as the RB35 (or worse) in two of the past three games and faces the stingy Seahawks defense in Week 17.

David Montgomery, RB, Detroit Lions (at MIN)

At a minimum, he's clearly not happy with his role. He has eight or fewer carries for six weeks. During that stretch, he has averaged 6.0 carries and 1.2 receptions per game.

Continue reading our full Week 17 Fantasy Football Start'em, Sit'em

The Daily Blitz: EDSFootball.com Updates for September 2, 2025

Earlier today, we updated fantasy football projections for multiple teams, posted consensus Week 1 NFL power rankings, and a 2025 NFL strength of schedule on EDSFootball.com.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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QUARTERBACKS

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Aaron Rodgers	506.8	321.8	3572.9	23.06	10.14	40.3	151.1	1.61	239.65
Mason Rudolph	35.2	22.5	237.6	1.44	1.02	4.7	14.1	0.09	15.17
QB Totals	542	344.3	3810.5	24.5	11.16	45	165.2	1.7	254.82

Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers was QB19 on a per-game basis in 2024 with Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams (for 11 games). Yes, the Steelers traded for Jonnu Smith, but the receiving corps is a downgrade from what he had last year and it will be interesting to see how he and DK Metcalf mesh. While the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, there's zero reason to draft Rodgers in standard (single-QB) leagues.

MORE: Continue reading our Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

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Miami Dolphins 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Miami Dolphins.

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QUARTERBACKS

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Tua Tagovailoa	507.6	350.2	3908.5	25.89	11.17	35.8	93.1	0.36	249.03
Zach Wilson	72.5	44.2	471.3	1.81	1.74	15.6	70.2	0.39	31.97
QB Totals	580.1	394.4	4379.8	27.7	12.91	51.4	163.3	0.75	281

Tua Tagovailoa: Appearing in more than 13 games only once during his five NFL seasons, the obvious concern with Tagovailoa (in real life and fantasy) is his troubling history of concussions. Over the past three seasons, however, Tagovailoa has led the NFL in at least one different passing category — completion percentage (72.9%) in 2024, passing yards (4.624) in 2023, and TD% (6.3) and Y/A (8.9) in 2022. There's a chance he performs as a back-end QB1 if — a big if — his health cooperates, but his lack of rushing (75/193/0 since 2022) limits the upside even if he plays a full season. For example, the same year (2023) he played 17 games and led the NFL in passing yards, he finished as the QB9 in overall points (QB17 on a PPG basis).

MORE: Continue reading our Miami Dolphins 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

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New York Giants 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Updated: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the New York Giants.

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QUARTERBACKS

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Russell Wilson	275.8	175.8	1985.8	12.69	5.24	34.8	147.9	1.31	142.36
Jaxson Dart	287.1	183.7	2038.4	11.77	6.32	35.9	161.6	1.44	140.78
QB Totals	562.9	359.5	4024.2	24.46	11.56	70.7	309.5	2.75	283.14

Russell Wilson: Playing for his fourth team in five seasons, Wilson is the favorite to enter the season as the starter but unlikely to maintain that role all year. Wilson took over for Justin Fields as Pittsburgh's starter in Week 7, and he performed as fantasy's QB18 on a per-game basis among QBs with at least six appearances during that stretch. Given the Giants used a first-round pick on Dart and the team's low expectations, it would make sense to give Dart an opportunity to gain valuable game experience sooner than later.

Jaxson Dart: Even if Wilson starts more games than Dart, it's likely that the first-rounder gets some starts, especially during the most crucial time of the fantasy season. Both Wilson and Dart are off the fantasy radar in standard single-QB drafts, but the rookie has the ability to make plays with his legs and provide some fantasy upside once he gets his shot.

MORE: Continue reading our New York Giants 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

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2025 NFL Power Rankings: Week 1 Rankings

Updated: September 2, 2025

Throughout the 2025 NFL season, we will update our consensus NFL Power Rankings from a variety of national sites.

Below you will find a table of our NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 1 sorted by their average ranking. The table also lists their respective rankings at various sites (links at bottom of table).

Change is difference from last ranking: + number = improvement, - number = decline.

Previous iteration: Post-Draft 2025 NFL Power Rankings

MORE: Consensus NBA Power Rankings

MORE: Consensus MLB Power Rankings

Rank	Team	Avg.	Chg.	ESPN	NFL	ATH	CBS	USAT	FOX	YAH	PFT
1	Philadelphia Eagles	1.13	0	2	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
2	Baltimore Ravens	2.5	1.2	1	2	2	5	2	2	2	4
3	Kansas City Chiefs	3.38	-0.6	3	4	5	3	3	3	4	2
4	Buffalo Bills	4	-0.5	5	3	4	2	5	5	5	3
5	Green Bay Packers	4.88	3.3	6	6	3	4	4	4	6	6

MORE: Full 2025 NFL Power Rankings: Week 1 Rankings

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2025 NFL Strength of Schedule: Which teams have the easiest or most difficult schedules?

Updated: September 2, 2025

We are now only a couple of days away from Thursday Night Football and the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys kicking off the 2025 season.

How things appear in November or December may look much different than they do in September, but which team has the most difficult 2025 NFL schedule? Or the easiest schedule?

Using each NFL team's 2025 opponents, our NFL strength of schedule (SOS) tallies the win-loss records of each team's opponents (from last year) and then uses that cumulative win-loss record to rank the difficulty or ease of each team's schedule.

Based on 2024 records, no team has a more challenging schedule than the Giants. Their opponents have collectively won 57.4% of their games in 2024. Meanwhile, San Francisco's opponents have won a combined 41.5% of their 2024 games, which gives them the easiest schedule on paper.

2025 NFL Strength of Schedule Rankings

The table below ranks teams based on their opponents over the full season.

Rank	Team	Opp. Record	Opp. Win Pct.	Playoff Opponents
1	New York Giants	166-123-0	0.574	10
2	Detroit Lions	165-124-0	0.571	11
2	Chicago Bears	165-124-0	0.571	10
4	Philadelphia Eagles	162-127-0	0.561	11

MORE: See where all 32 teams rank based on their 2025 NFL Strength of Schedule

EDSFootball.com Updates for August 10, 2025

Earlier today, we updated fantasy football projections for multiple teams and completed a couple of fantasy football mock drafts on EDSFootball.com.

2025 Fantasy Football Projections

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Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Aaron Rodgers	506.8	321.8	3572.9	23.06	10.14	40.3	151.1	1.61	239.65
Mason Rudolph	35.2	22.5	237.6	1.44	1.02	4.7	14.1	0.09	15.17
QB Totals	542	344.3	3810.5	24.5	11.16	45	165.2	1.7	254.82

Aaron Rodgers: Rodgers was QB19 on a per-game basis in 2024 with Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams (for 11 games). Yes, the Steelers traded for Jonnu Smith, but the receiving corps is a downgrade from what he had last year and it will be interesting to see how he and DK Metcalf mesh. While the four-time NFL Most Valuable Player will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, there's zero reason to draft Rodgers in standard (single-QB) leagues.

MORE: Continue reading our Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

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Carolina Panthers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Carolina Panthers.

Player	Att.	Comp.	Yards	TD	INT	Rush	Yards	TD	Points
Bryce Young	537.3	333.7	3626.8	21.76	11.28	45.7	262.8	2.86	252.99
Andy Dalton	37.4	24.1	261.8	1.65	1.01	4.3	13.3	0.18	17.46
QB Totals	574.7	357.8	3888.6	23.41	12.29	50	276.1	3.04	270.45

Bryce Young: Young was benched after a terrible start through the first two weeks last season (only 225 passing yards, 4.01 Y/A, no touchdowns and three interceptions). He didn't start again until Week 8, but he played much better, especially over the final three games (64.8%, 7.0 Y/A, seven touchdowns and no interceptions). After Carolina's Week 11 bye, Young was the QB8 in fantasy PPG (21.2) through the end of the season.

More: Bryce Young 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook

MORE: Continue reading our Carolina Panthers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

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2025 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts

The best way to become good at something is to practice. So, what should you do if you want to draft a better fantasy football team?

Practice, of course!

Leading up to the start of the 2025 NFL season, we will use the fantasy football mock draft simulator to complete fantasy football mock drafts. And we will do so using a variety of scoring formats — point per reception (PPR), half-PPR, standard scoring and even 2-QB leagues — and league sizes. The goal is to provide you with a good representation of the team that you may be able to draft given your league settings while also providing the rationale of why we made the picks we did.

> Our 2025 mocks will be centralized here: Fantasy Football Mock Drafts.

That said, nothing beats practicing yourself so (check out the simulator) and complete a mock in a matter of minutes.

2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Half-PPR Mock (11th Pick)

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Starting positions: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE), 1 K, 1 DST; Bench spots: 6

1.11 - Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans

Collins has missed seven games over the past two seasons, but the now 26-year-old receiver has averaged 85.3 YPG (fifth best), 15.6 Y/R (eighth) and scored a total of 15 touchdowns (tied, 10th) over that span (among wide receivers with at least 100 targets). He has finished among the top three wide receivers in PFF's Y/RR metric in each of the past two seasons — 3.11 (second) in 2023 and 2.87 (third) in 2024, respectively. If Collins can stay healthy for a full season, the emerging superstar could truly make a jump into the top tier of fantasy receivers in 2025.

2.02 - Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Among the top 10 receivers in fantasy points per game, seven of them missed multiple games in 2024. While Thomas was 11th on a per-game basis, he played a full season and finished fourth in fantasy points. As injuries sidelined Jacksonville's other top 2024 pass catchers (Evan Engram and Christian Kirk), Thomas stepped up down the stretch with all six of his double-digit target games occuring in the final six weeks of the season. During that span, he had the second-most targets (70) behind only Ja'Marr Chase (75) and ranked top five in catches (45), yards (593) and touchdowns (five). While Engram and Kirk are no longer in Jacksonville, the Jags upgraded their No. 2 receiver opposite Thomas by trading up to draft Travis Hunter, last year's Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award winner (among many other awards). Hunter's presence may cut slightly into his target domination, but secondaries will have to give Hunter more defensive attention than they would have to their pre-draft No. 2 wideout(s).

MORE: 2025 Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Football Projections

3.11 - Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Adams, who was traded midseason from the Raiders to the Jets, still managed to extend his streak of 1,000-yard, eight-TD seasons to five. Even though he turns 33 on Christmas Eve and won't dominate targets the way he had at previous stops, he should have (or come close to having) another 1,000/8 season.

4.02 - Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Perhaps his outlook is even rosier in dynasty leagues than redraft given the presence of Najee Harris, but Hampton should emerge as the team's lead back by season's end. Harris's "superficial eye injury" will almost certainly accelerate that shift. Currently, there is no update on when Harris will return although he's walking laps around the field as "part of his rehab process."

MORE: 2026 Los Angeles Chargers Mock Draft Roundup

MORE: Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Half-PPR Mock (11th Pick)

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2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team PPR Mock (9th Pick)

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Starting positions: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE), 1 K, 1 DST; Bench spots: 6

1.09 - Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions

St. Brown has been a model of consistency — year in and year out, week in and week out. ARSB has 90-plus catches in all four seasons, 1,161-plus yards in the past three seasons, and double-digit touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. He had five-plus catches in 14 of 17 games last season and his other games were four, three and two catches. Only Ja'Marr Chase (15) had more such games in 2024, and he's tied with Davante Adams for the most five-catch games (49) since 2021, per Stathead.

2.04 - Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Among the top 10 receivers in fantasy points per game, seven of them missed multiple games in 2024. While Thomas was 11th on a per-game basis, he played a full season and finished fourth in fantasy points. As injuries sidelined Jacksonville's other top 2024 pass catchers (Evan Engram and Christian Kirk), Thomas stepped up down the stretch with all six of his double-digit target games occuring in the final six weeks of the season. During that span, he had the second-most targets (70) behind only Ja'Marr Chase (75) and ranked top five in catches (45), yards (593) and touchdowns (five). While Engram and Kirk are no longer in Jacksonville, the Jags upgraded their No. 2 receiver opposite Thomas by trading up to draft Travis Hunter, last year's Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award winner (among many other awards). Hunter's presence may cut slightly into his target domination, but secondaries will have to give Hunter more defensive attention than they would have to their pre-draft No. 2 wideout(s).

MORE: 2025 Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Football Projections

3.09 - Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Evans, who will turn 32 in August, extended his remarkable streak of 1,000-yard seasons to 11 (albeit just barely: 1,004 yards) in 2024. While he missed three games last season, Evans remains one of the most dominant red-zone weapons in the league — 24 receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons and double-digit scores in four of the past five years.

4.04 - Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks

Walker has missed multiple games in each of his three NFL seasons including six missed games last year. While he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry and 4.4 yards per touch, both career lows, his PFF elusive rating (113.5) was a career high and the third most among all running backs with at least 100 carries in 2024. Walker should benefit from the new coaching staff's heavy use of outside zone and there is plenty of upside if his health cooperates.

MORE: Join or Create a 2025 Yahoo! Fantasy Football League

MORE: Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team PPR Mock (9th Pick)

Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Pittsburgh Steelers in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Most improved: Quarterback

It's tempting to go with the offensive line here, but the veteran quarterback additions edge out the rookie offensive linemen. Russell Wilson threw for 26 touchdowns to eight interceptions a year ago, while a combination of Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph threw 13 touchdowns to nine interceptions. At the very least, Wilson and Justin Fields should offer a mixture of more stability and a higher ceiling at the position -- especially in a run-first, play-action-heavy offense that plays to their strengths. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 13

That's two years in a row where I left the draft thinking the Steelers had a top-five haul. There was a clear emphasis on bolstering the trenches. They possibly came away with two immediate starters on the offensive line in Troy Fautaunu and Zach Frazier, plus an excellent fourth-round depth piece in guard Mason McCormick. The Round 3 Wilson brothers, receiver Roman and linebacker Payton (NOTE: not actually brothers), could end up being great choices, with some luck. If I'm being greedy, I might have wanted a little more help on defense, specifically on the line and in the secondary, but holy moly, it felt like Pittsburgh made one strong pick after another throughout. We've tossed a few bouquets to the Steelers for their drafts over the years, and to be fair, some of those classes ended up worse than we imagined. But it's hard right now to view this year's crop as anything less than inspired.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 19

They added a lot of physical toughness in the draft, which will help Russell Wilson on offense and improve the defense. Will it be Wilson or Justin Fields starting for most of the season?

USA Today -- Rank: 13

A revamped offensive line is set to start four players acquired over the past year and change. Assuming it coalesces, good news for QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields — they absorbed a combined 89 sacks with their former teams in 2023 — and maybe more so for what should be re-emphasized run game.

The Athletic -- Rank: 18

Whoever ends up playing quarterback for the Steelers (Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are the contenders, in case you hadn't heard), he should have plenty of protection. Pittsburgh took three offensive linemen, including two of the feistiest in this draft (tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier), with their first two picks.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 19

The best thing going in Pittsburgh right now is what's been done along the offensive line. If the Steelers' young draft picks play up to their potential, it's going to make life much easier on their QB1. We can count on the defense to be stout. How much better does Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields) make you feel about the Steelers' ability to score points? I'll say I'm cautiously optimistic.

More Pittsburgh Steelers pages:

• Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL Draft Grades
• Pittsburgh Steelers Draft History
• Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
• Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets

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• 2025 NFL Mock Draft
• 2024 NBA Mock Draft
• Fantasy Football Rankings
• Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule
• Fantasy Football Mock Drafts
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• NFL Mock Draft Database
• NBA Mock Draft Database
• MLB Mock Draft Database
• NHL Mock Draft Database

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Way-too-early Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL mock draft roundup

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will update our Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Pittsburgh Steelers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Steelers:

Fox Sports - Rob Rang (5/3)

14. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

A natural playmaker as both a receiver and returner, Burden has lived up to his prep hype as a five-star recruit, finishing second in the SEC in 2023 with 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdown receptions. Powerfully built at 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, Burden is appropriately named as he is a real problem for defensive backs.

ESPN - Jordan Reid (5/2)

12. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Yes, Pittsburgh just redid its QB room, but Russell Wilson and Justin Fields (declined fifth-year option) are both on expiring deals this season. Ewers is still inconsistent with ball placement and downfield accuracy, but he has all the traits you'd want in an NFL quarterback, and another season in Steve Sarkisian's offense could help catapult his development. This is a bit of a projection -- scouts had Day 3 grades on Ewers for the 2024 class before he decided to return to school -- but there is potential here.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

San Diego Union-Tribune - Eddie Brown (5/2)

15. Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

The Steelers reworked Donte Jackson's contract after trading for him. He'll be a free agent after next season. Burke would've been a borderline first-rounder this year had he left Columbus. He's adept in both man and zone coverage, and would work well across from Joey Porter Jr.

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (4/30)

14. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Ewers will be a polarizing prospect, but he made the right choice returning to school. Whether he is drafted in the top half of Round 1 in 2025 will depend on how he performs this season. Still only 21 years old, he will have better experience (25-plus starts, 1,000-plus pass attempts) than most of the other quarterbacks in this class.

PFF - Max Chadwick (4/29)

14. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan could be the best receiver in college football in 2024. He has a Mike Evans-esque frame and finished 2023 with an 89.1 receiving grade and nearly 1,400 receiving yards. McMillan paired with George Pickens and Roman Wilson would create a dynamic receiving corps in Pittsburgh.

The 33rd Team - Marcus Mosher (4/29)

19. Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

Drew Allar had a lot of success in his first full year as a starter at Penn State, throwing 25 touchdowns to just two interceptions. But the Nittany Lions need him to deliver more in big games. If he can do that in 2024, he should be a lock first-round pick.

USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (4/28)

13. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

At 6-5 and 210 pounds with strong hands, McMillan is built to win on contested catches and deep shots downfield. He could be a perfect asset for Russell Wilson should the quarterback prove effective enough to warrant a return in 2025, and he'd also be a fine running mate for George Pickens.

More roundups: NFL Teams | NFL Draft Prospects

Check out more of our content:

• 2025 NFL Mock Draft
• 2024 NBA Mock Draft
• NFL Mock Draft Database
• Fantasy Football Rankings
• Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule
• Fantasy Football Mock Drafts
• NFL Power Rankings
• NBA Power Rankings

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 10 roundup for the Pittsburgh Steelers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 13

Non-QB MVP: EDGE T.J. Watt

This is a no-brainer. No one is having a bigger game-changing impact for the Steelers than Watt. Through eight games, Watt has 9.5 sacks -- tied for second most in the NFL with Garrett and Maxx Crosby -- 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries and 1 interception. And one of those fumble recoveries was a game-winning scoop-and-score in the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh's Week 2 win against the Browns. Without Watt, the Steelers aren't 5-3 or in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

The Steelers are 12-5 over the past calendar year but have only outscored opponents by nine points in that span. The point differential this season along is minus-30. Pittsburgh's 5-3 record paints a picture of a very good coach (Mike Tomlin) massaging enough games to keep the team close and win some late. But in order to make any postseason noise, this offense must awaken prior to the fourth quarter. The Steelers are being out-rushed by more than 40 yards per game and out-passed by more than 50, and the offense's early-game sputtering is a big reason why. There's hope, with the emergence of Jaylen Warren, Broderick Jones and Diontae Johnson, plus the expected return of Pat Freiermuth, but everything ultimately rests on Kenny Pickett and Matt Canada improving down the stretch.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

How does Mike Tomlin have this team at 5-3? It has been on the negative side of the yardage battle in every game it has played.

USA Today -- Rank: 11

Of the 29 teams to be outgained in each of their first eight games since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, Pittsburgh (5-3) is the only one to manage a winning record.

The Athletic -- Rank: 13

Report card: B-minus

Yes, the Steelers are two games above .500, but we can't forget the hype surrounding this team's preseason offensive performance, and the subsequent uptick in expectations it caused. Through that lens, this team (which ranks 26th in the league at 4.7 yards per play), feels less than what it should be. Pittsburgh is the 34th team since 1933 to be outgained in each of its first eight games and is the only team from that list to have a winning record after eight games, according to ESPN.

FOX -- Rank: 15

Of the 14 teams in the current playoff field, 11 have a positive point differential. Of the three that don't, two have been outscored by a touchdown or less. Then there's Pittsburgh. The Steelers have been outscored by 30 points this season, and they've been outgained in every game they've played. I don't know how they keep winning games, but I'm not going to bet against Mike Tomlin finding at least four more.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 15

George Pickens' apparent tantrum and social media scrubbing was concerning because it happened in a win after his teammate, Diontae Johnson, had a long overdue touchdown to win the game. That's not the time to throw a fit over stats. It should be fine, but Pickens and everyone else in the Steelers' passing offense has to know Kenny Pickett isn't playing at a level to carry all of them to 1,000-yard seasons.

PFT -- Rank: 11

All they do is find a way to win.

Previous updates:

• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 9
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 8
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 7
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 6
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 5
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 4
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 3
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 2
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 1
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Draft

More Pittsburgh Steelers pages:

• Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Grades
• Pittsburgh Steelers Draft History
• Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
• Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets

Check out more of our content:

• 2024 NFL Mock Draft
• 2024 NBA Mock Draft
• NFL Strength of Schedule
• Fantasy Football Rankings
• Fantasy Football Mock Drafts
• Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 9 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 9 roundup for the Pittsburgh Steelers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

Kenny Pickett hasn't taken the vaunted second-year leap, but it's difficult to discern how much of that is on Pickett and how much is on the offense and scheme. Before he exited at halftime of Sunday's loss to the Jaguars because of a rib injury, Pickett and the offense had four straight three-and-outs with just 9 total yards before the quarterback orchestrated a field goal drive completing 5 of 6 attempts. While his QBR plummeted from 53.6 in 2022 to 35.5 this season, and his completion percentage dropped from 63% in 2022 to 61%, Pickett does have two fourth-quarter winning drives. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 15

Two straight wins had Steelers fans believing again. Then came Sunday's defeat to the Jaguars, which was painful in multiple ways, with two of Pittsburgh's most indispensable players, S Minkah Fitzpatrick and QB Kenny Pickett, exiting with injuries. Fitzpatrick is arguably the Steelers' most important piece, both because of his skill and because of the drop-off behind him on the depth chart. The fact that his hamstring injury happened ahead of a short week makes it even less ideal. The next two games (home vs. the Titans and Packers) are winnable, but Tennessee enters the upcoming Thursday Night Football matchup with confidence after Will Levis' sparkling debut. While the sailing never figured to be smooth for these Steelers, navigating this stretch -- potentially with backups playing significant roles -- will be key before they face a tough road duo to close out November (at Cleveland, at Cincinnati).

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

The offense regressed against Jacksonville and now Kenny Pickett is hurt. It's amazing Mike Tomlin has this team with a winning record.

USA Today -- Rank: 12

No AFC team has gained fewer yards. Only two have surrendered more. Their average drive lasts 5.16 plays, fewest in the league. But Pittsburgh is somehow 4-3 despite losing the first of its three-game homestand and watching battered QB Kenny Pickett fail to finish another game.

The Athletic -- Rank: 12

Something scary (for them): Mike Tomlin's loyalty

Kenny Pickett had to leave Sunday's game with a rib injury, but does it matter who the quarterback is with offensive coordinator Matt Canada in charge? Canada has been in charge of Pittsburgh's offense since 2021. In that time, the Steelers are 29th in the NFL in scoring (18.63 ppg). Since the start of last season, Pittsburgh is dead last in scoring (17.5 ppg), and still, there's no indication that Tomlin is going to get rid of Canada.

FOX -- Rank: 18

As bad as the offense has been, it's probably not going to improve without Kenny Pickett. The Steelers offense has averaged 11 points per game at home this season, and it's hard to imagine they'll find a way to fix it on a short week with Pickett possibly unavailable.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 16

Kenny Pickett has a rib injury and his status for Thursday night's game is up in the air. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has already been ruled out with a hamstring injury. It's unfortunate for the Steelers that they have a short week. At least they're at home, and perhaps the defense can fluster Titans rookie QB Will Levis in his second career start.

PFT -- Rank: 13

They'll win some and lose some and ultimately be in the mix for a playoff spot.

Previous updates:

• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 8
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 7
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 6
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 5
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 4
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 3
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 2
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 1
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Draft

More Pittsburgh Steelers pages:

• Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Grades
• Pittsburgh Steelers Draft History
• Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
• Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets

Check out more of our content:

• 2024 NFL Mock Draft
• 2024 NBA Mock Draft
• NFL Strength of Schedule
• Fantasy Football Rankings
• Fantasy Football Mock Drafts
• Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 7 roundup for the Pittsburgh Steelers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Lesson learned: Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt are worth their contracts.

We get it, the Steelers' offense is bad. But what isn't is the pass rush tandem of Watt and Highsmith, the latter of whom got a four-year, $68 million contract in the offseason. While Watt's eight sacks is tied for the most in the NFL through six weeks, Highsmith is also putting up solid numbers. Against the Ravens, Highsmith generated a career-high 11 pressures on 35 pass rushes, tied for the most pressures generated by any player in a game this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. The pair also scored two of the Steelers' seven total touchdowns this season. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 19

With no indication the Steelers are replacing play-caller Matt Canada or QB Kenny Pickett any time soon, they must find internal solutions to get the offense on track -- like, say, an anything-goes self-scouting mission during the Week 6 bye. No group needed that more than the offensive line. I thought Broderick Jones played well against Baltimore; continued improvement would be huge. So would the interior getting better, and Chukwuma Okorafor cutting down on penalties. If they fix those problems, the Steelers might have an offense that can win games.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

They come off their bye week hoping the offense found some life during it. They have to score more points.

USA Today -- Rank: 9

A team that's won three of four coming out of its bye week is also about to get WR Diontae Johnson back on an offense that needs a spark.

The Athletic -- Rank: 13

Two of three wins coming against division rivals is keeping Pittsburgh alive in the AFC North despite an offense that ranks 30th in scoring (15.8). Defensively, it's been business as usual for the Steelers. T.J. Watt is on pace for 27 sacks, which would break the league's single-season record he shares with Michael Strahan (22 1/2).

FOX -- Rank: 19

The Steelers managed to get to their bye week atop the AFC North, but hopefully, they did some work on the offense during their downtime. Their season high for total yardage is 333, and they haven't had a 400-yard day since Week 2 of 2020. It's got to improve if they're going to stay in the conversation.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 16

Diontae Johnson is returning to practice this week. Pat Freiermuth said he'll play this weekend. We can finally see how the Steelers' offense looks with a mostly healthy lineup. If the offense still looks terrible, then it's time to panic.

PFT -- Rank: 11

It was a bad bye for the 'Burgh, with all three AFC North rivals winning.

Previous updates:

• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 6
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 5
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 4
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 3
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 2
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 1
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Draft

More Pittsburgh Steelers pages:

• Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Grades
• Pittsburgh Steelers Draft History
• Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
• Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets

Check out more of our content:

• 2024 NFL Mock Draft
• 2024 NBA Mock Draft
• NFL Strength of Schedule
• Fantasy Football Rankings
• Fantasy Football Mock Drafts
• Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 6 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the Pittsburgh Steelers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Fantasy surprise: RB Najee Harris

The Steelers' offense has underperformed on the field and on fantasy rosters, but fantasy managers are perhaps the most disappointed in Harris. Drafted as the RB11 in PPR and standard ESPN leagues, Harris is RB32 in standard and RB38 in PPR entering Monday night's game. The Steelers are one of only two teams without a rushing touchdown, and Harris is averaging just 49 yards per game. After being the Steelers' primary three-down back in his first two seasons, Harris is more evenly splitting the load with Jaylen Warren through five games. Warren was drafted as the RB45 in PPR and RB43 in standard but is RB23 in PPR and RB31 in standard through five games. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 20

I can't spare the details of how the Steelers actually arrived at 3-2, with some wild swings of play -- and, you know, a -31 point differential. You have to admire the team's toughness and creativity, finding inventive ways to win games. But I don't imagine that this bye week will include a getaway to Cabo. My guess is Pittsburgh knows there's a lot of work to be done. Nine days ago, Mike Tomlin was talking about big changes. Yet here they are, atop the AFC North -- for now.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 20

They head to their bye after an impressive victory over the Ravens, led by the defense. The offense still needs to pick it up.

USA Today -- Rank: 9

They've gained the third-fewest yards in the league and surrendered the third most, the delta more than 600 yards. But 11 takeaways, 17 sacks and just enough clutch plays from QB Kenny Pickett can mask such warts ... and propel you to the top of the AFC North.

The Athletic -- Rank: 20

None of the Steelers' seven draft picks has played more than half the snaps this season. The closest is mammoth tight end Darnell Washington, but he's basically been a sixth offensive lineman. Washington has only one catch this season. Sunday's win against Baltimore, which came on the strength of second-year George Pickens' 130 receiving yards, might have saved the season.

FOX -- Rank: 21

What a great league. The Steelers have been abysmal on offense for most of the season — and they were for most of Sunday. But they took advantage of enough Ravens mistakes and were there to make the right plays at the end of the day. Raise your hand if you saw Mike Tomlin and his crew sitting atop the AFC North heading into their bye week.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 16

Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. had a game-changing interception in the end zone late in the fourth quarter on Sunday. According to Sam Monson of PFF, Porter has allowed a 0.0 passer rating into his coverage on 86 snaps this season. This is also when we point out that Porter was the pick from the Chase Claypool trade. Good job, Bears.

PFT -- Rank: 11

It's easy to criticize. It's hard to win. And the Steelers have somehow won three games.

Previous updates:

• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 5
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 4
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 3
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 2
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 1
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Draft

More Pittsburgh Steelers pages:

• Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Grades
• Pittsburgh Steelers Draft History
• Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
• Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets

Check out more of our content:

• 2024 NFL Mock Draft
• 2024 NBA Mock Draft
• NFL Strength of Schedule
• Fantasy Football Rankings
• Fantasy Football Mock Drafts
• Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 5 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 5 roundup for the Pittsburgh Steelers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

Biggest issue on defense: Run defense

For the second year in a row, the Steelers' defense lost a key member in the first game of the season. This time around, Cameron Heyward's groin injury was a significant hit to the team's run defense. While the team held reigning rushing champ Josh Jacobs to 3.6 yards per carry, the Steelers are allowing 4.7 yards per carry on the season -- ranking 28th in the NFL. Against the Texans, the Steelers allowed running back Dameon Pierce to set the tone early, which opened up the game for Houston's rookie quarterback. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 23

Dyed-in-the-wool Steelers fans have heard statements from Mike Tomlin similar to the pledge -- "Hell yeah, there's gonna be changes" -- he offered after getting blown out by Houston. The questions are what will change, and how? There will likely be a temptation to start their top two 2023 draft picks and replace Najee Harris with Jaylen Warren; might they even make a change at offensive coordinator? These are all well-worn themes among observers in Steeltown by now. The injury Kenny Pickett suffered Sunday isn't considered serious, but the Steelers should at least consider sitting him Sunday against the Ravens if he's not fairly healthy. Even when Cam Heyward and Diontae Johnson return from injury, they won't be able to fix the whole ship by themselves.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 18

The showing against the Texans was putrid, all the way around. Now the knee-injury issues for Kenny Pickett are a concern.

USA Today -- Rank: 12

When your offense is almost completely dysfunctional, and you're turning to a backup quarterback ... maybe run the ball? Pittsburgh's ground game ranks 29th and is without a TD, but it has been increasingly productive every week.

The Athletic -- Rank: 23

The Steelers can't even get a team plane that works. For the second straight week, their trip home was delayed by aircraft issues. Kenny Pickett can't get off the ground either. He has the fourth-worst off-target percentage (14.2) of any regular starter in the league. His passing EPA per dropback (minus-.28) ranks 35th. And his completion percentage (60.6) ranks 29th. It hasn't been so much chaotic as crappy.

FOX -- Rank: 27

This offense is so painful to watch — and that was before Kenny Pickett exited the loss to Houston with a knee injury. Mike Tomlin said afterward that changes need to be made, but it remains to be seen what that means. The defense getting gashed by a rookie quarterback behind a makeshift offensive line is concerning, but none of that matters until the Pittsburgh offense becomes viable. Hopefully, Pickett's injury isn't severe, because hope for improvement seems slim without him.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 22

Kenny Pickett's knee injury reportedly could lead to him missing time, though it's not a season-ending injury. That's good news, but the bigger problem is Pickett looks poor to start the season. And an injury that costs him some time won't help his development.

PFT -- Rank: 15

The Steelers keep having issues getting their planes back to Pittsburgh. With more games like Sunday's, Pittsburgh might just tell them to not bother.

Previous updates:

• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 4
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 3
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 2
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Week 1
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Power Rankings Roundup: Post-Draft

More Pittsburgh Steelers pages:

• Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Draft Roundup
• Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 NFL Draft Grades
• Pittsburgh Steelers Draft History
• Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule
• Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets

Check out more of our content:

• 2024 NFL Mock Draft
• 2024 NBA Mock Draft
• NFL Strength of Schedule
• Fantasy Football Rankings
• Fantasy Football Mock Drafts
• Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.