Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 14, 2025, 5 p.m. ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
Network: FOX
Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback
Sam Darnold: SIT
A 61% completion percentage and 150 passing yards are doing Sam Darnold no favors in shaking the allegations that his bounce back was all Kevin O’Connell. He’s unstartable in all formats.
Running Back
Zach Charbonnet: START, RB2
Kenneth Walker III: START, RB2
I think just about everyone expected Zach Charbonnet to eat into the workload of Kenneth Walker to a certain extent, but not be on the heavy side of the committee. Charbonnet ran more routes, had two more rush attempts, and played 58% of snaps compared to Walker’s 40%. There was no hint of this happening coming into the season, and Walker truthers (Hi! I’m a Walker truther!) are hoping and praying this shift had more to do with Walker’s preseason foot injury than an actual full-blown committee. As good as Charbonnet looked, he’s a near lock for more work than we initially anticipated. Both backs are startable, but until we get a clearer picture, the Seahawks’ backs are low-end RB2s.
Wide Receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: START, WR2
Tory Horton: SIT
Cooper Kupp: SIT
A Christmas miracle in September, Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored 20.4 fantasy points despite Darnold throwing just 16 completions and 150 yards. That’s because JSN caught nine of Darnold’s 16 completions and 124 of his 150 passing yards. The volume will maintain JSN’s status as an every-week start, but Darnold has to play much better for him to remain among the top 15 or so fantasy receivers. Despite his nice new hairstyle, it’s over for Cooper Kupp. He’s closer to droppable than he is to entering your starting lineup.
Tight End
AJ Barner: SIT
You’re not starting any Seahawks tight end in fantasy.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers: SIT
Does ayahuasca reverse the effects of aging? Because Aaron Rodgers looked like he was in his prime in his first start as a Steeler. He moved around well in the pocket, avoiding pressure, and threw for four touchdowns for just the second time since 2021. I want to see him maintain even 70% of this type of production for a few weeks before I’d consider starting him in 1QB leagues, but he’s creeping closer to Superflex starter status.
Running Back
Jaylen Warren: FLEX, RB3
Kenneth Gainwell: SIT
Kaleb Johnson: SIT
I have a feeling the Steelers’ backfield is going to be one big headache for fantasy purposes this season. Are we surprised that’s the case with Arthur Smith as the offensive coordinator? The Steelers just extended Jaylen Warren‘s contract to a total value of $17.5 million over three years, and drafted Kaleb Johnson in the third round. So, who leads the Pittsburgh backs in snap percentage? Kenneth Gainwell, naturally. Warren scored the only touchdown of the three, and Johnson was basically a special teamer, but I’m avoiding this backfield completely. Warren is a FLEX until if/when he gets more volume. With Awful Arthur on the sticks, nothing is predictable.
Wide Receiver
DK Metcalf: START, WR2
Calvin Austin III: SIT
Roman Wilson: SIT
In a game where Rodgers threw four touchdowns, DK Metcalf had … zero. He did lead the Steelers in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, and looked like his uber-athletic and explosive self. Knowing how petty Rodgers can be, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him force-feed Metcalf against his former team and try to get him in the end zone. Calvin Austin started his third season off with a solid performance, scoring a touchdown and ending up with 17 fantasy points. He’s a risky FLEX play who is better left on the bench.
Tight End
Jonnu Smith: SIT
Pat Freiermuth: SIT
Yes, Jonnu Smith had five catches on six targets and came down with a touchdown. But this was the touchdown.
Jonnu Smith takes the jet touch pass for a @Steelers TD
PITvsNYJ on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/NKk2ReODKB
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
Those five catches equated to 15 receiving yards. Smith is fool’s gold and should not be started. Pat Freiermuth is unstartable until further notice.