Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, November 10, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Northwest Stadium, Landover, Maryland
Network: CBS
Writer: Chris Helle
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback
Russell Wilson: Streaming Option
Russ took over as the starting QB back in Week 7 and immediately had a QB3 finish. His only other game came the following week, which was a down week in fantasy because the Steelers could feed their RBs against a lackluster Giants’ rush defense. Going on the road this week, Wilson will look to gain his third win against a red-hot Commanders team that’s second in scoring behind only the Ravens. The matchup got slightly more difficult following the addition of Marshawn Lattimore to Washington’s secondary, but there are more weapons than only George Pickens to throw to. Russ comes in at QB12 on The List and is a decent option to start for a safe floor with upside.
Running Back
Najee Harris: Start, RB2
Jaylen Warren: Sit
Najee has taken over this backfield as he’s accounted for 67% of rush attempts from Pittsburgh’s RBs, and the Steelers run the ball at the second-highest rate in the league. He put up 16 fantasy points in PPR both weeks with Russ as the starter, so he’s as safe of an RB2 as you can ask for. Jaylen Warren should be left on the bench as he’s failed to break 50 yards in any game this year and has yet to find the paydirt. No reason to expect anything from this team’s second option against a defense that’s allowed the 12th fewest points to RBs.
Wide Receiver
George Pickens: Start, WR2
Mike Williams: Sit
Calvin Austin: Sit
As previously mentioned, Washington bringing over Lattimore makes Pickens’ matchup slightly less favorable but not enough so to warrant sitting him. He’s been incredible in man-to-man matchups and making contested catches, and the Steelers will need him to be involved to have a chance at winning this game. Mike Williams coming over from the Jets should have little to no bearing on this game, as he’s likely still learning the playbook and wasn’t much of a factor in New York even before they acquired Davante Adams. Calvin Austin is also too boom/bust to trust in your lineup, as he’s only had 2 out of 8 games with more than 6 fantasy points. One of those weeks was their last game against the Giants due to a punt return touchdown.
Tight End
Pat Freiermuth: Streaming Option, TE2
The former Nittany Lion is a risky start as he’s a few weeks removed from his best fantasy outputs, which were only 16.7 points against the Colts and 9.2 points against Dallas. The Steelers focus on their run game, and Pickens is the primary target, but there may be an avenue for Freiermuth to sneak into being more involved should Wilson avoid looking Lattimore’s way. Expectations and reliability are low, but he could be a sneaky option to roll the dice on if (and only if) you’re in a bind.
Washington Commanders
Quarterback
Jayden Daniels: Start, QB1
Coming from someone who was high on Daniels as a prospect, he’s exceeded all expectations and is making a case at lapping past OROY to be in the league MVP discussion. He does land as QB9 on The List this week, though, as it will be one of the more difficult secondaries he’s faced this year. He’s still a starter every week despite the tough test ahead of him.
Running Back
Brian Robinson: FLEX Option, RB3
Austin Ekeler: FLEX Option, RB3
Brian Robinson missed last week due to a hamstring injury but is expected to return to action this week. He should take back his leading role if he’s back, but the Steelers have allowed only 90 yards per game on the ground. We would expect it to be a split backfield between him and Austin Ekeler, who had just as many receiving yards as rushing with Robinson out last week. The tough matchup and split backfield land both backs in FLEX range, with a slight nod to Robinson, who is more likely to walk away with a touchdown.
Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin: Start, WR1
Noah Brown: Sit
Olamide Zaccheaus: Sit
There’s no question who Jayden’s favorite target is on this team. It’s been all Terry from the beginning of the season, and his production has skyrocketed since Kliff Kingsbury unleashed the downfield play calls. The matchup shouldn’t be anything to shy away from, though it’s been a carousel of scavenging the leftovers for the rest of the receiving room, including Noah Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus.
Tight End
Zach Ertz: Streaming Option, TE2
The veteran TE has been targeted the 2nd most on this team, ahead of all WRs aside from Terry McLaurin. This game is a middle-of-the-pack matchup as the Steelers have allowed the 17th most points to opposing TEs, but Ertz should be left on the bench unless you’re desperate to fill your TE slot as he’s only scored 1 TD on the season despite the efficiency of Washington’s offense.