Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 22, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
Network: CBS
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterback
Justin Herbert: Sit, QB2
Justin Herbert has a tough matchup this week, facing a stout Steelers secondary. He has not needed to throw much this season and has yet to eclipse 150 passing yards in any single game. That is not likely to change this week, and he could also struggle with protecting the football in this one, as the Steelers are leading the NFL in interceptions in the first two weeks.
Running Back
JK Dobbins: Start, RB2
Gus Edwards: Sit
The comeback-to-earth moment has finally arrived for JK Dobbins. Facing one of the best defenses against opposing running backs in the Steelers, Dobbins will have a steep hill to climb. I still believe in the talent, but he is a low-end RB2 this week. Gus Edwards‘ purpose for fantasy this season is solely as a low-ceiling handcuff. It is weird to say, considering he has seen 50% of the touches or more in each of the first two weeks. The issue is that he has hit the age cliff, his production on the ground has been abysmal, and he is a zero as a receiver.
Wide Receiver
Quentin Johnston: FLEX Option
Ladd McConkey: FLEX Option
Joshua Palmer: Sit
The Chargers pass catchers have been a storyline not just in the offseason but also in the first two weeks of the regular season. In Week 2, Quentin Johnston continued to play an expanded role on offense. He scored two times, and while one of them was a run-of-the-mill score for an NFL wide receiver, the second was a great play and some impressive athleticism from the former first-round pick. In Week 3, the Chargers take on their most difficult defensive matchup of the young season. It will be a big test for the entire offense. Both McConkey and Johnston are must-watch players in this one, but they are more suited to watch this matchup from your bench than your starting lineup. They fall to WR36 and WR37 for me this week, so you can play them in deep leagues or as FLEX options in 3WR leagues, but temper expectations.
Tight End
Hayden Hurst: Sit
Will Dissly: Sit
It is safe to assume that if there are pass catchers on the Chargers’ roster who can help you get a win this week, they are at wide receiver, not tight end.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback
Justin Fields: Sit, QB2
As things stand right now, it appears we’re looking at another Justin Fields start for the Steelers in Week 3. Fields has not been the electric rushing quarterback we became accustomed to in Chicago. It has limited what he can do for fantasy football purposes, and that keeps him on the bench or even on waivers in most leagues.
Running Back
Najee Harris: FLEX Option
Jaylen Warren: FLEX Option
The Steelers’ run game has been uninspiring to start the season. A three-headed monster between Fields, Najee Harris, and Jaylen Warren means that both Harris and Warren are borderline unusable. They do have set roles as the early down bruiser and the pass-catching back, but neither role has been fruitful for fantasy teams this season. Both profile as low-upside FLEX options in this matchup, with Najee’s value coming from his volume-based role and Warren’s coming from an expected increased involvement in the passing game.
Wide Receiver
George Pickens: Start, WR3
George Pickens could have had a more successful day if he hadn’t had both a spectacular catch and touchdown called back due to a penalty. Still, he remains a big play merchant who is a quarterback shy of taking the next step. Week 3 does not look like a boom week for Pickens, though, as he faces the Chargers defense, which has allowed the second-lowest number of fantasy points to wide receivers.
Tight End
Pat Freiermuth: Start, TE1
Pat Freiermuth has been consistent in the first two weeks of the season. Four targets and anywhere from 30-40 receiving yards. It is not sexy, but for a position that has been underperforming on the season, Freiermuth provides a high floor for fantasy managers in a bind. He slides in as my TE12 this week, technically making him a TE1, but he isn’t the most comfortable of options at the position.