Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 8th, 2024, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Network: Fox
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback
Russell Wilson: Sit, QB3
Wilson won the starting job for the Steelers out of camp. There are still questions about what this new-look offense will be able to produce behind a player who has appeared to lose a step over the last few seasons. Wilson is a Sit for me as he provides a low ceiling and an even lower floor. He falls outside of my top 24 QBs for the week, which means he offers little utility in two-quarterback leagues as well.
Running Back
Najee Harris: Start, RB2
Jaylen Warren: Start, FLEX
One of the primary benefits of Arthur Smith coming to Pittsburgh is that the running backs should get some extended run this season. I still project Harris to lead the way, and against the Falcons’ defense, that does provide some nice value. Right now, I am projecting a total of 70 yards for Najee. Warren should continue to dominate the passing down work and is more of the spark plug than Najee, which allows managers to throw him in the FLEX and see what he can do with his 10-12 touches.
Wide Receiver
George Pickens: Start WR3/FLEX
George Pickens is going to have some up-and-down weeks as the Steelers’ classic X receiver. The good news for Pickens is that Russell Wilson is happy to chuck it deep, even when it’s to his detriment. The volume might not be there in Week 1, but the matchup is right, and in leagues that have 3 WRs or multiple flex options, I like Pickens to find his way to the end zone in this one. The other wide receivers here aren’t going to be significant needle movers, and I wouldn’t expect them even to be rostered in your classic 12-person league.
Tight End
Pat Freiermuth: Sit, TE2
Freiermuth was a popular value pick at tight end this offseason, but I am not quite there in Week 1. While he should lead the tight end room in snaps and targets, do not be surprised if we see Darnell Washington eat into his workload as a blocker for the run-heavy scheme we are expecting in Pittsburgh.
Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback
Kirk Cousins: Sit, QB2
We still don’t have a ton of clarity on Cousins’ recovery. The expectation is that he will start and play in Week 1, but the fact that we have very few updates and the Falcons chose to rest Michael Penix Jr. for most of the preseason is a concern. If Cousins does play, he has to go up against one of the better defenses in the NFL. His supporting cast is strong, though, and he should benefit from an improving offensive line. One significant setback could be the status of Kyle Pitts, who was held out of practice just yesterday with a hamstring injury. Ultimately, Cousins has limited upside in a tough matchup returning from injury and is best left on your bench in Week 1.
Running Back
Bijan Robinson: Start, RB1
Tyler Allgeier: Sit, RB4
Robinson could be heading for a big season. An improved offensive scheme and a chance to lead the backfield even further raise his upside after an impressive rookie season. It is a tough spot for Bijan in Week 1, but he is a rare workhorse running back who should be heavily involved on the ground and through the air. He is firmly in the RB1 conversation. Allgeier may have some week-to-week FLEX utility even with Bijan healthy, but in Week 1, that is not a gamble I recommend making. Keep him on the bench and look for better weeks ahead.
Wide Receiver
Drake London: Start, WR2
Drake London could even surpass my current ranking for him this week (WR17) if Kyle Pitts were to miss the game OR even be hampered too much by his hamstring injury. As things stand now, in full PPR leagues, he should provide a safe floor and be the number one target for Kirk Cousins. The matchup is not ideal, but London has the skill set to thrive if he can lock in with Cousins early. It is worth mentioning Darnell Mooney (WR66) would become relevant if Pitts misses time. He is not a game-breaker by any means, but he would move up enough to warrant a FLEX spot in your lineups if you are in a deeper league format.
Tight End
Kyle Pitts: Start, TE1**
You will need to keep a close eye on Pitts’ status as we head into the final parts of the week. He popped up on the injury report with a hamstring injury yesterday, and if he is forced to miss time or be hampered by the injury for an extended period, you may need to audible. Some readily available options here are Taysom Hill, Dalton Schultz, and Cole Kmet. None of them will fix your tight end spot, but Hill should flirt with TE1 production all season, and the other options provide you with some value that won’t give you a zero in your lineup.
Will Dustin be back to this column this season? I love his creative ways of insulting poor performances.