The Steelers somehow pulled off a win in Los Angeles when it seemed they were on the brink of defeat. It was a big one for head coach Mike Tomlin coming out of bye week. Yet he was not the only one who gained from this victory. (All stats courtesy of fantasypros.com)
- Offense -
Diontae Johnson made his return from injury since Week 1 and played a huge role in the Steelers win over the Rams. Recording 79 yards on five receptions, Johnson moved up to No. 104 among receivers with 12.7 fantasy points.
George Pickens posted his third 100-yard game of the season. Pickens has proven to be a consummate threat on the outside and also a high mover in the world of fantasy football. Despite moving down to No. 16 among receivers (63.6 fantasy points), fans should keep in mind the bye-week factor and start him this upcoming week.
After a dismal three quarters, quarterback Kenny Pickett exploded in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 230 passing yards and a rushing touchdown. The inconsistencies in his overall game are a concern, but he stays steady at No. 25 among players in his position with 73.6 fantasy points.
As for the running backs, Najee Harris currently stands 32nd with 41.2 fantasy points after recording 53 rushing yards and a touchdown. Backup Jaylen Warren stays steady at 38.1 fantasy points after registering 32 rushing yards on six carries and a touchdown.
- Defense -
Without question, the star on defense was All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt. At this point, there are not enough adjectives to describe how impactful he has been all season. Despite not recording a sack against the Rams, his third-quarter interception was the catalyst that ignited the team to victory. Even with the bye week, Watt currently stands 6th among linebackers with 109.8. For fantasy owners, expect him to move up quickly.
Other standouts up front include rookie linebacker Nick Herbig, who moved to the 116th spot with 14.1 fantasy points after recording his first career NFL sack. Defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi also recorded a sack in their win and currently stands 59th among players in his position with 40.6 fantasy points. Kwon Alexander, who is quickly becoming one of the most reliable interior linebackers on the team, moved down to No. 48 with 64.7 fantasy points; this should change in the upcoming weeks.
In the secondary, rookie Joey Porter Jr. is quickly becoming one of the league's top rookie defenders. On 53 snaps yesterday, Porter Jr. allowed no receptions and no yards while covering one of the top receivers in Puka Nacua. With an increase in snaps, team owners should expect Porter Jr. to continue his hot streak. For now, he stands 189th among defensive backs with 19.3 fantasy points.
Levi Wallace, who struggled in coverage, currently stands at the 69th spot among defense backs with 52.1. Lastly, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who recorded 11 tackles against the Rams, stands at No. 30 with 68.4 fantasy points. With no interceptions or splash plays so far this season, fantasy owners should consider sitting him.
Who You Should Start In Week 8
Offense -
WR George Pickens
WR Diontae Johnson
RB Najee Harris
Defense -
LB T.J Watt
CB Joey Porter Jr.
LB Kwon Alexander
LB Alex Highsmith
DL Larry Ogunjobi