2025 Steelers Week 15 Fantasy Football Recap - Gainwell and Rodgers Prove Their Value

The Pittsburgh Steelers delivered a statement win on Monday night, using a dominant third-quarter surge to secure a critical 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium.

With just three games left in the regular season, every matchup carries playoff implications—and this one was no exception. For fantasy managers, the Steelers’ performance wasn’t just good for the standings; it was a profitable night for several key players who stepped up when it mattered most.

Offensive Fantasy Movers -

🏈Fantasy Spotlight: RB Kenneth Gainwell

With each passing week, running back Kenneth Gainwell is proving to be the Steelers’ best offseason acquisition. His game is defined by versatility, and it was on full display Monday night. Gainwell racked up 13 carries for 80 rushing yards and added 46 yards on seven receptions, showcasing his dual-threat ability.

That effort translated into a strong fantasy performance: Gainwell posted 19.6 fantasy points, boosting his season total to 169.3 points and climbing to RB19 in the rankings.

If Gainwell isn’t already on your roster, it’s time to rethink your strategy—because this is a back who’s gaining momentum both on the field and in fantasy lineups.

QB Aaron Rodgers

The ageless wonder delivered yet another multi-touchdown performance in Week 15 against the Dolphins. Rodgers completed 23 passes for 224 yards and tossed two touchdowns, reminding fantasy managers that he still has plenty left in the tank.

His effort translated into 17.0 fantasy points, bringing his season total to 186.5 points and securing the QB18 spot in the rankings.

Rodgers may not be the weekly league-winner he once was, but his consistency and ability to produce in key matchups make him a reliable option for fantasy lineups down the stretch.

WR D.K Metcalf

Over the past few weeks, DK Metcalf has solidified himself as one of the Steelers’ most lethal offensive weapons, routinely overpowering defenders with his trademark physicality. In the third quarter against the Dolphins, Metcalf reminded everyone of his game-breaking ability, posting three receptions for 55 yards, highlighted by a 28-yard catch-and-run touchdown that showcased his blend of speed and strength.

The outing earned him 14.5 fantasy points, pushing his season total to 179.0 points. While he slipped slightly to WR18 in the rankings, Metcalf remains a matchup nightmare and a must-start fantasy option with explosive upside every time he takes the field.

📈 Other Notable Offensive Movers

Defensive Fantasy Movers -

🏈Fantasy Spotlight: LB Patrick Queen

From the opening whistle, linebacker Patrick Queen looked like a man on a mission, making plays all over the field. In the first half, when momentum seemed to favor the Dolphins, Queen’s relentless tackling helped keep their offense in check until the Steelers found their rhythm in the third quarter.

Queen anchored the defense with 11 total tackles, including two tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays at critical moments. His performance translated into 11.5 fantasy points, bringing his season total to 99.3 points and placing him at LB30 in the rankings.

While not an every-week fantasy star, Queen’s high tackle volume and knack for impact plays make him a solid streaming option and a dependable contributor in deeper IDP (Individual Defense Fantasy) formats.

DT Cameron Heyward

It was only a matter of time before the Steelers’ most tenured defender broke through with a statement performance—and Week 15 was the moment. Cameron Heyward helped bottle up Dolphins’ running back De’Von Achane, limiting him to just 67 rushing yards, while making life miserable for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Heyward finished the game with three solo tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss, proving once again why he’s the heart of Pittsburgh’s defensive front. His effort translated into 9.7 fantasy points, raising his season total to 73.1 points and moving him into the DL20 spot in the rankings.

Heyward may not be a weekly fantasy star, but his ability to disrupt both the run and pass makes him a dependable IDP option—especially in matchups where the Steelers lean on their veteran leadership.

DB Jalen Ramsey

Perhaps the reason the Steelers entered Monday night with just three cornerbacks was their confidence in Jalen Ramsey—and he proved them right. Ramsey locked down the Dolphins’ pass catchers, giving them little room to operate, while also making his presence felt in the backfield.

He finished with six tackles, including one sack and one tackle for loss, showcasing his versatility as both a coverage specialist and a disruptive force at the line of scrimmage. His effort translated into 10.2 fantasy points, raising his season total to 83.8 points and moving him up to DB24 in the rankings.

Ramsey’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a strong IDP option, especially in matchups where his playmaking skills can swing momentum.

📈 Other Notable Defensive Movers

Start or Bench For Week 16 -

Start: RB Kenneth Gainwell, WR D.K. Metcalf, TE Darnell Washington, TE Pat Freiermuth, LB Patrick Queen, DT Cameron Heyward, DB Jalen Ramsey, and QB Aaron Rodgers

Bench: WR Calvin Austin III, WR Roman Wilson, TE Jonnu Smith, LB Nick Herbig, LB T.J Watt, RB Kaleb Johnson, and DL Keeanu Benton