It was a poor outing for the Steelers in their 20-10 Week 8 loss over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yet, even in this loss, several players rose to the occasion and raised their stock in the process. (All stats courtesy of fantasypros.com)
- Defense -
One of the overall standouts for the team was veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts. He would finish the game with five tackles, one for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two quarterback hits. For his impressive output, Roberts moved up to the 58th spot with 64.9 fantasy spots. Roberts was not the only inside linebacker who increased their stock. Cole Holcomb, who finished the game with 11 tackles and a forced fumble, moved up to No. 29 among linebackers with 89.0 fantasy points. Kwon Alexander, who produced two tackles and a forced fumble, moved down a spot to No. 49 with 72.4 fantasy points.
The secondary play was not pretty, but rookie Joey Porter Jr. made the most of his first career start. Porter Jr. gave the Jaguars receiver virtually nothing to work with, allowing only two catches on four targets and 20 receiving yards. For his performance on Sunday, Porter Jr. moved up 12 spots to No. 176 among defensive backs with 26.1 fantasy points. Defensive Damontae Kazee, who recorded an interception and allowed a touchdown, is currently 79th among defensive backs with 55.1 fantasy points.
On the defensive line, All-Pro linebacker T.J. Watt, who registered 0.5 sacks and two tackles, moved down seven spots to No. 13 among linebackers with 114.9 fantasy points. Rookie Nick Herbig, who registered a tackle for loss and a forced fumble, moved up four spots to No. 112 with 22.1 fantasy points.
- Offense -
On offense, it was not a good day for quarterback Kenny Pickett, who left the game before halftime with a rib injury. Prior to the injury, Pickett mustered only 73 passing yards. Even with his poor output, Pickett moved down just three spots to 28th among quarterbacks with 77.5 fantasy points.
Pickett's favorite target, receiver Diontae Johnson, was reasonably productive, with 85 receiving yards on eight receptions. For his efforts before his injury, Johnson moved up an incredible 19 spots to No. 85 among receivers with 21.2 fantasy points. His teammate George Pickens, who finished with 22 receiving yards and a touchdown, moved down two spots to No. 18 among receivers with 71.8 fantasy points.
Who You Should Start In Week 9
- Offense -
WR Diontae Johnson
WR George Pickens
RB Jaylen Warren
-Defense -
LB T.J Watt
CB Joey Porter Jr.
LB Elandon Roberts
LB Cole Holcomb
LB Alex Highsmith