Browns @ Steelers
Final Score: PIT 27 – CLE 14
Writer: Raymi Chavez
The Steelers came into this divisional matchup having won their last 20 regular season home games against the Browns. Today they made that 21 in a row. The game started very evenly with both defenses flexing their muscles and both teams trading three-and-outs often. The Browns then broke the game open with a great throw on the run by Jameis Winston leading to a 35-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy. This would be where the Browns peaked unfortunately as the Steelers responded by slowly, but surely, taking over the football game. The Browns started their second half with a second missed field goal and the Steelers began pouring it on, moving up and down the field easily in the third quarter before holding on in the fourth to seal the victory. Let’s take a look at the fantasy relevance of this game.
Two Up
- Jerry Jeudy – Jeudy got loose for an early touchdown and padded his numbers in the fourth quarter to continue his strong run.
- David Njoku – Njoku continues to be a safety valve for Winston and was targeted numerous times, taking advantage of his catchable targets.
One Down
- Nick Chubb – Chubb suffered from the game script that saw Jerome Ford get heavy snaps and struggled to get anything beyond one single chunk run going.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Jameis Winston: 24/41, 211 Yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs | 4 Carries, 28 Yards, 1 Fumble (Recovered)
This is the life of Winston at quarterback and another perfect encapsulation of his play. Games like these are his floor and they are passable, he is a fine QB2 at this point, especially in positive matchups.
Running Back
Nick Chubb: 11 Carries, 48 Yards | 1 Target
Nick Chubb isn’t the same running back he was before his second devastating knee injury and at this point is mostly dependent on scoring touchdowns to make him a valuable fantasy option.
Jerome Ford: 10 Carries, 28 Yards | 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 18 Yards
Ford is the team’s passing-downs running back which leads to a boatload of snaps. Unfortunately, Winston seems nearly incapable of ever taking a check down so Ford’s production is still limited.
Pierre Strong: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 9 Yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Jerry Jeudy: 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 64 Yards, TD
Cedric Tillman’s injury has thrust Jeudy into the spotlight and he has continued to pour it on. After a career day against Denver, Jeudy found himself making another impact in fantasy. A 35-yard first-quarter touchdown is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here, but he is easily the best wide receiver option for Winston.
David Njoku: 13 Targets, 7 Receptions, 42 Yards, TD
Similar to his run towards the end of last year with Joe Flacco, David Njoku is starting to come alive. Winston went to him very often, although a handful of Njoku’s targets were uncatchable and essentially throwaways. In an offense that should be playing from behind often, he will continue to be a TE1.
Elijah Moore: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 34 Yards
Elijah Moore is consistent, but not much of an impact player and continued with that type of performance today.
Michael Woods: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 12 Yards
Michael Woods wasn’t able to follow up his solid performance last week, Winston did connect with him on a 20-yard reception that was taken away by a penalty. Still some positive signs here, but not worth the roster spot at this point.
Jordan Akins: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 14 Yards
James Proche: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 18 Yards
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback
Russell Wilson: 15/26, 158 Yards, 2 TDs | 6 Carries, 17 Yards
Russell Wilson got off to a really slow start and then in the third quarter the moonball factory was open for business. He also used his legs a lot more than we’re used to. Although both games he’s had 10+ yards on the ground have come against Cleveland so we may not see that again.
Running Back
Najee Harris: 16 Carries, 53 Yards, TD
Najee Harris opened the game very strongly, ripping off chunk play after chunk play, but it felt like he was taken out of his rhythm with Jaylen Warren getting his share of snaps following that. A touchdown helped to solidify his fantasy performance which was quickly slipping away.
Jaylen Warren: 9 Carries, 47 Yards | 5 Targets, 2 Receptions, 25 Yards
Warren came to life in the second half, being the catalyst for the Steelers in early down situations. He’s been getting 60+ all-purpose yards a game for over a month as the Steelers have seemingly dialed in their running back committee.
Cordarrelle Patterson: 4 Carries, 6 Yards, 1 Fumble (Lost) | 1 Target, 1 Reception, -2 Yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Pat Freiermuth: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 48 Yards, TD
Pat Freiermuth has been on a little bit of a hot streak, getting around 50+ yards in the last three games, and scoring two touchdowns in that stretch. Wilson trusts him and loves looking for him in the red zone.
Mike Williams: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 36 Yards
Mike Williams made an impact for the first time since his debut with the Steelers, even after having another 20+ yard reception erased on a penalty. This game was a great opportunity for Williams and Wilson to get some chemistry going with George Pickens out and they seemed to take advantage.
Scottie Miller: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 38 Yards
Scottie Miller took advantage of his extra snaps today and is always liable to break off a big TD.
Calvin Austin: 4 Targets, 1 Reception, 4 Yards
Calvin Austin was invisible out there today. As a boom/bust option for this team, today was a big bust. This came a week after suffering a concussion, so he maybe wasn’t feeling completely himself out there.
Van Jefferson: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 10 Yards, TD
MyCole Pruitt: 1 Target, 1 Reception, -1 Yards