The Steelers recorded an interception and no sacks in the 17-14 loss to the Patriots in Week 2.

Analysis: The absence of LB T.J. Watt was obvious, as the Steelers struggled to pressure QB Mac Jones. They could run into similar issues in Week 3 against the Browns, although the Browns are battling some injuries on their offensive line. Their main opportunity is from facing QB Jacoby Brissett, who has thrown for 376 yards, two touchdowns and an interception through two games. His ceiling is low, so the Steelers D/ST should be considered a safe play in Week 3.

LB T.J. Watt is expected to miss significant time due to a torn pectoral muscle.

Analysis: The reigning Defensive Player of the Year racked up 21.5 sacks last season, and he's the most important part of the Steelers defense. The Steelers hope Alex Highsmith and Malik Reed can pick up some of the slack, but we should expect this unit to take a step back regardless. Nevertheless, they should have a high floor against the Patriots. Last week, the Patriots scored just seven points against the Dolphins and coughed up three turnovers.

The Steelers ranked 20th last season with 23.4 points allowed per game.

Analysis: The Steelers allowed some big numbers last season, but they were still excellent for fantasy purposes because they led the league with 55 sacks and ranked 14th with 22 takeaways. Their secondary may take a step back now that CB Joe Haden isn't with the team, but having safeties Terrell Edmunds and Minkah Fitzpatrick over the top is significant, especially for turnovers. We should expect this team to be steady for fantasy purposes once again led by DE T.J. Watt, but their Week 1 game against the…read more

The Steelers ranked 14th last season with 22 takeaways.

Analysis: Although they Steelers suffered a severe dropoff in the turnover category, they still managed to lead the league with 55 sacks. We should expect them to be near the top of the category again this season because they retained LB T.J. Watt and DT Cameron Heyward. They also added DT Larry Ogunjobi, who compiled seven sacks last year. This is a fierce defensive front once again, but the pain point could be their mediocre secondary. Don't reach for Steelers D/ST this season, but it's still a top-10…read more

The Steelers led the league last season with 55 sacks.

Analysis: Getting to the QB kept the Steelers afloat for fantasy purposes because they finished 20th with 23.4 points allowed per game and 14th with 22 turnovers. We should expect them to be highly productive again, as LB T.J. Watt (22.5 sacks last year) and DE Cameron Heyward (10 sacks) are returning to action. They won't have the standard ball hawks at cornerback, but having S Minkah Fitzpatrick over the top should aid in their hunt for more turnovers. Fantasy managers should be pleased to select…read more

The Steelers recorded two sacks and two takeaways in the 26-14 win over the Browns in Week 17.

Analysis: The Steelers lead the league with 52 sacks through 16 games despite ranking 22nd with 24.1 points allowed per game and 18th with 19 takeaways. It's looking like QB Lamar Jackson (ankle) could sit out once again, meaning QB Tyler Huntley would start under center. Huntley has been sacked on 8.7 percent of dropbacks this season while throwing just three touchdowns through the last three games. The Steelers should easily contain Huntley and will be a strong fantasy defense this week, assuming…read more

The Steelers recorded two sacks in the 36-10 loss to the Chiefs in Week 16.

Analysis: The Steelers have now given up more than 35 points in four of the last six games, though they have forced nine turnovers in that stretch. They won their Week 8 road matchup against the Browns 15-10, and it figures to be another low-scoring affair in Week 17. The Browns have run the ball 28.3 times per game (ninth-most in the league), while the Steelers' run defense has allowed a league-high 4.8 yards per carry. If the Browns stick to the ground game, the Steelers may not have much of a chance…read more

The Steelers recorded four sacks and four takeaways in the 19-13 win over the Titans.

Analysis: While the Steelers' defense isn't as dominant as it once was with 23.9 points allowed per game (22nd) and 17 total takeaways (19th), it does rank second in the league with 41 sacks. It's tough to feel confident with Steelers D/ST this week. QB Patrick Mahomes has struggled at times this year but is still averaging 289.4 passing yards per game with a 30:13 TD:INT ratio to boot. However, if WR Tyreek Hill and TE Travis Kelce -- who are both in COVID-19 protocol -- sit out, the Steelers are…read more

The Steelers recorded two interceptions and no sacks in the 36-28 loss to the Vikings in Week 14.

Analysis: The Steelers got torched on the ground by RB Dalvin Cook, who rumbled for 205 yards and two touchdowns. This is one of the worst run defenses in the league, so the Steelers are lucky RB Derrick Henry (foot) isn't playing this week. WR A.J. Brown (knee) won't be available, either. The Titans' offense has been lethargic lately with 19.4 points per game over their last five outings while giving up 10 total turnovers. Furthermore, QB Ryan Tannehill has been sacked 37 times this year. The Steelers…read more

The Steelers recorded seven sacks and an interception in the 20-19 win over the Ravens in Week 13.

Analysis: The Steelers now lead the league with 37 sacks but rank 29th with 11 takeaways through 12 games. They'll get a bit of an edge playing on a short week, though their matchup against the Vikings is difficult. QB Kirk Cousins has been sacked 1.5 times per game, and his three interceptions are the lowest in the league. Even if RB Dalvin Cook (shoulder) can't go, the Steelers will likely struggle to slow down RB Alexander Mattison, as they rank 27th with 132 rushing yards allowed per contest. The…read more

The Steelers recorded two sacks and an interception in the 41-10 loss to the Bengals in Week 12.

Analysis: The Steelers have given up 41 points in back-to-back games, and they now rank 23rd in the league with 24.3 points allowed per contest. Still, they rank fifth in the league with 30 sacks despite ranking 28th with 10 takeaways. However, there's a chance T.J. Watt (COVID-19 protocol) won't play this week. With 12.5 sacks through nine games, Watt is a big factor in the Steelers' fantasy upside this week, as QB Lamar Jackson has been sacked on 8.1 percent of dropbacks. Even if he plays, this is a…read more

The Steelers recorded two sacks and an interception in the 41-37 loss to the Steelers in Week 11.

Analysis: The Steelers gave up more than 27 points for the first time this season, and it didn't help that S Minkah Fitzpatrick (COVID-19 protocol) and T.J. Watt (hip) were out of the lineup. Fitzpatrick and Watt should be back this week. The Bengals are still a tough matchup with 29.7 points per game (ninth), but there's still upside for Steelers D/ST. QB Joe Burrow has been sacked on 8.2 percent of dropbacks, and they've turned the ball over 14 times thus far. Still, the Steelers have just nine…read more

The Steelers recorded four sacks in the 16-16 tie against the Lions in Week 10.

Analysis: Yes, it was the Lions. But holding an NFL team to 16 points over 70 minutes of football is still an accomplishment, especially considering the Steelers' offense coughed up the ball three times. They'll have a tough matchup against the Chargers in Week 11. While the Chargers' offense has taken a step back recently, it has still scored at least 20 points in six of seven games while turning the ball over just five times in that stretch. The Steelers D/ST likely has a low floor because QB Justin…read more

The Steelers posted three sacks and an interception in the 29-27 win over the Bears in Week 9.

Analysis: The Steelers allowed their highest point total of the season against the rookie QB. They now rank sixth in the league with 2.8 sacks per game while posting at least one turnover in all but one contest. The Lions are coming to town in Week 10. While RB D'Andre Swift has broken out this year, the Lions' offense hasn't scored more than 17 points in a game since Week 1, and they've coughed up 11 turnovers. Furthermore, QB Jared Goff has been sacked on 6.7 percent of dropbacks (11th-most in the…read more

The Steelers recorded four sacks and a fumble recovery in the 15-10 win over the Browns in Week 8.

Analysis: The Steelers are now tied for seventh in the league with 20 sacks through seven games, and five of the six teams ahead of them have played eight games. The Bears are coming to town in Week 9, and QB Justin Field has been sacked on a league-high 14.1 percent of dropbacks (Baker Mayfield is second at 9.7 percent). Even with Fields settling in last week, the Steelers have massive upside by virtue of their pass rush. There's an intriguing security blanket, too, as the Bears average 15.4 pitns per…read more

The Steelers recorded five sacks and a fumble recovery in the 23-20 win over the Seahawks in Week 6.

Analysis: The Steelers took advantage of the matchup against backup QB Geno Smith. Now, they rank 11th in the league with 22.0 points allowed per game, and they're averaging 2.5 sacks as well. They're coming off a bye week and will take aim at a severely banged-up Browns team. QB Baker Mayfield (shoulder) likely won't be 100 percent all season, and RB Nick Chubb (calf) missed the last two games. Considering the Browns scored fewer than 18 points in three of the last four games, this matchup should…read more

The Steelers allowed 374 total yards and forced a turnover in the 27-19 win over the Broncos in Week 5.

Analysis: The Steelers' defense hasn't been as explosive this season as it used to be; they've posted just four turnovers (22nd) and 10 sacks (17th). Still, they've given up just 22.4 points per game (10th). They have an intriguing matchup against the Seahawks on tap. Typically, this would be daunting with QB Russell Wilson at the helm, but now backup Geno Smith will be under center. While Smith was impressive in a small sample last week, this offense takes a serious dropoff with him instead of Wilson.…read more

The Steelers allowed 367 total yards and forced a turnover in the 27-17 loss to the Packers in Week 4.

Analysis: The Steelers have now given up at least 24 points per game in three straight weeks. They've recorded just three takeaways, but their 10 sacks is a respectable number. They should have a high-floor against the Broncos in Week 5. QB Drew Lock will probably start in place of Teddy Bridgewater (concussion). Last season, Lock was sacked on 5.3 percent of dropbacks and threw a league-high 15 interceptions. Chase that upside here with Steelers D/ST.

The Steelers forced a turnover but didn't record a sack in their 24-10 loss to the Bengals in Week 3.

Analysis: The Steelers' defense isn't what it once was, as they've recorded just five sacks and two turnovers through three weeks. It certainly won't get easier in Week 4 against the Packers. While the Packers' opener against the Saints was rough, they tore apart the Lions and 49ers over the last two weeks, totaling 65 points and no turnovers. The Steelers could be in for trouble, especially if LB T.J. Watt (groin) can't go.

The Steelers gave up 425 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 26-17 loss to the Raiders in Week 2.

Analysis: The Steelers were without Devin Bush (groin) for the whole game and T.J. Watt (groin) for most of it, so producing just two sacks and no turnovers wasn't a major surprise. It's unclear whether Watt will be ready for Week 3 against the Bengals, who have posted 44 points and four turnovers through two games. QB Joe Burrow still has little protection with nine sacks thus far, so even if Watt isn't ready to go, the Steelers D/ST has significant upside this week.

The Steelers allowed 371 total yards and 16 points in their Week 1 win over the Bills.

Analysis: The Steelers recorded three sacks and a fumble recovery as well. Their pass rush is menacing, and CBs Cameron Sutton and Joe Haden proved they could hold their own. It's uncertain who will take on Raiders TE Darren Waller, though. Nevertheless, the Steelers D/ST showed they're still a must-start fantasy option simply due to the upside.

LB T.J. Watt signed a four-year contract extension and will play Week 1 against the Bills.

Analysis: Watt was apparently considering a holdout, but after becoming the highest-paid defensive player in history, he'll be on the field for the opener. He's an elite pass rusher, but taking down Josh Allen isn't easy. Last season, Allen was sacked on just 4.3 percent of dropbacks -- the 10th-fewest in the league. There's a significant risk with Steelers D/ST this week, too. WR Stefon Diggs is uncoverable by the Steelers' corners, and the Bills look prepared to throw a ton. While this unit was highly…read more

The Steelers acquired LB Joe Schobert via trade from the Jaguars.

Analysis: Schobert has combined for 274 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 13 pass breakups, seven interceptions and four forced fumbles over the past two seasons. He and Devin Bush -- a promising youngster coming off a torn ACL -- to start at the inside linebacker positions. With Stephon Tuitt, Cameron Hayward and T.J. Watt adding pressure to the edges, DC Keith Butler has a ton of firepower to work with. All told, this should be one of the top units once again this season.

The Steelers signed LB Melvin Ingram in late July.

Analysis: Ingram played just seven games in 2020 and didn't record a sack, but he notched at least seven in the previous five seasons. While he's not expected to be a starter in a group of strong pass-rushers, Ingram will be dependable depth at the position. On the other hand, the Steelers are lacking at cornerback after letting CBs Steven Nelson and Mike Hilton, as there's not much proven depth behind Cameron Sutton and Joe Haden. That's certainly concerning for their ceiling long-term, but the elite…read more

The Steelers recorded 27 turnovers (second) and allowed 19.5 points per game (third) last season).

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The Steelers allowed 365 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 28-24 win over the Colts in Week 16.

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The Steelers allowed 230 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 27-17 loss to the Bengals in Wek 15.

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The Steelers gave up 334 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 26-15 loss to the Bills in Week 14.

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The Steelers gave up 318 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 23-17 loss to Washington in Week 13.

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The Steelers let up 219 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 19-14 win over the Ravens in Week 12.

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The Steelers allowed 206 total yards and forced four turnovers in the 27-3 win over the Jaguars in Week 11.

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The Steelers allowed 324 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 36-10 win over the Bengals in Week 10.

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The Steelers allowed 364 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 24-19 win over the Cowboys in Week 9.

Analysis: The Steelers notched their sixth multi-turnover effort in eight games to extend their league lead in turnovers to 15, and they also pace the league with 32 sacks. The unit has been outstanding, letting up more than 24 points just once this season. Their floor in Week 10 likely depends on whether RB Joe Mixon (foot) comes back, but they're well-equipped either way, allowing just 4.1 yards per carry this season. The ceiling is week-winning as it always is with the Steelers' defense, as QB Joe…read more

The Steelers allowed 457 total yards and forced four turnovers in the 28-24 win over the Ravens in Week 8.

Analysis: It's a road game, but that's about the only thing working against the Steelers this week. The Cowboys will bench their third-string QB and likely turn to practice squad member Cooper Rush to start under center. Whether he's the best option or not, Rush has thrown three passes over four seasons in the NFL. The offensive line is still a patchwork because of injuries, and no quarterback has been able to handle that, as they've coughed up seven turnovers in three games without Dak Prescott. The…read more

The Steelers let up 292 total yards and didn't force a turnover in a 27-24 win over the Titans in Week 7.

Analysis: The Steelers have allowed more than 20 points in four of the last five games, but they've squeezed three multi-turnover showings into that stretch, and they still lead the league with a whopping 4.3 sacks per contest. The Week 8 matchup against the Ravens is intimidating because they can blow the roof off at any moment, but there is some upside here, as QB Lamar Jackson has been sacked on 8.5 percent of dropbacks this season. That's about the extent of the upside, however, as they rarely turn…read more

The Steelers allowed 220 total yards, forced two turnovers and posted four sacks in a 38-7 win against the Browns in Week 6.

Analysis: The Steelers tormented an injured Baker Mayfield, forcing him into mistakes and returning one of his interceptions for a touchdown. This was the Steelers' fourth multi-touchdown performance in five games, and they lead the league with 24 sacks. The Week 7 matchup against the Titans should be tougher, as they've scored at least 31 points in four straight outings and avoided turnovers in the process. Furthermore, QB Ryan Tannehill has been sacked on just 2.8 percent of dropbacks -- third in the…read more

The Steelers let up 336 total yards and forced two turnovers in a 38-29 Week 5 win over the Eagles.

Analysis: The Steelers have recorded seven turnovers through four games and have produced 20 sacks, which is tied with the Rams, who have played five games, for the league high. This defense is as dominant as we remember it from 2019, and it's showing no signs of slowing down. Cleveland will come to town in Week 6 after posting at least 32 points in four straight games, but the offense runs through the backfield, not QB Baker Mayfield. That's a point in favor of the Steelers, as they rank second in the…read more

The Steelers allowed 260 total yards and forced a turnover in a 28-21 win over the Texans in Week 3.

Analysis: The Steelers game against the Titans was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Tennessee, so Pittsburgh enjoyed an early bye week and will be fresh when the Eagles come to town in Week 5. The Eagles ended their winless start in Week 4 by defeating the 49ers on the road, but they haven't scored more than 25 points in a game, and they rank second in the league with nine turnovers so far. QB Carson Wentz has also been sacked on 8.0 percent of dropbacks -- the 10th-most in the league. Considering…read more

The Steelers allowed 260 total yards and forced a turnover in Week 3's 28-21 win over the Texans.

Analysis: The Steelers haven't let up more than 21 points yet this year, although the Texans were the first big test. They've been superb against the run, though, allowing just 2.7 yards per carry, and that will come in handy against RB Derrick Henry, who is averaging over 100 yards on the ground per game. With WR A.J. Brown (knee) potentially missing another game, Corey Davis will serve as the interim No. 1 receiver. Furthermore, the Steelers should win the intangible battle since the Titans won't…read more

The Steelers allowed 319 total yards and forced two turnovers in Week 2's 26-21 win over the Broncos.

Analysis: The Steelers' momentum from 2019 has carried over, as they've already racked up 10 sacks and four turnovers while allowing 21 or fewer points in each game. Meanwhile, the Texans clearly miss WR DeAndre Hopkins, as they have yet to exceed 20 points in a game, and QB Deshaun Watson has been sacked eight times in that stretch. There's a bit of a risk that this gets into a shootout if Watson takes over, but the Steelers are locked into a few sacks, making them a top-end play across all fantasy…read more

The Steelers forced two turnovers and made three sacks in Week 1's 26-16 win over the Giants.

Analysis: QB Daniel Jones performed fairly well, but the Steelers' front seven were a handful nonetheless. RB Saquon Barkley had nowhere to run and finished with just six yards on 15 carries, and Jones had little time to throw. The Broncos have a better offensive line than the Giants, but still, RB Melvin Gordon could run into trouble, and the team desperately needs WR Courtland Sutton (shoulder) back for second-year QB Drew Lock. The Steelers D/ST showed a ton in Week 1 and is a must-start this week, as…read more

The Steelers will face the Giants on the road Monday.

Analysis: The Steelers could easily be one of the best defenses in football this year, as they returned all their stars after leading the league with 38 turnovers and 54 sacks last season. While QB Daniel Jones is on an upward trajectory, he still turned the ball over 23 times in 13 games last year, so the Steelers' menacing pass rush won't do him any favors. Furthermore, the Steelers have more dependable QB play this year, so the defense won't be put in such difficult situations or get pegged Mason…read more

The Steelers led the league in turnovers (38) and sacks (54) in 2019.

Analysis: The Steelers' defense was going to be good last year regardless, but the addition of FS Minkah Fitzpatrick vaulted them into elite territory, as he picked off five passes and ran two back for scores. They retained most of their talent, too, and with a young corps led by LB T.J. Watt and LB Devin Bush, they are once again a top fantasy target heading into 2020.

The Steelers allowed 16 points and 259 total yards in Week 16's loss to the Jets.

Analysis: The Steelers held a fifth straight team to fewer than 20 points, and now they won't have to face Lamar Jackson or Mark Ingram in the season finale. While there's nothing to play for on either side, the Steelers are an intriguing DFS option. Robert Griffin, while was once on track to be like Jackson, isn't the same quarterback anymore and surely isn't as skilled. It's tough to project exactly who the Ravens will roll out, but the Steelers lead the league with 36 turnovers and rank second with 51…read more

The Steelers allowed 17 points and 261 total yards to the Bills in Week 15's loss.

Analysis: The Steelers also notched two turnovers, marking their fourth straight multi-turnover game and 12th of the year. They rank second in the league with 35 total turnovers and first with 49 sacks. The Jets are an outstanding opponent for championship contenders looking to deploy Steelers D/ST. Gang Green ranks 28th with 17.6 PPG and 31st with 274.1 total YPG. Furthermore, the upside is desirable, as they've coughed up the ball 23 times -- 11th-most -- while Sam Darnold is sacked on 7.1 percent of…read more

The Steelers allowed 17 points and 236 yards to the Cardinals while forcing three turnovers in Week 14's win.

Analysis: The Steelers have notched two or more turnovers in 11 of their last 12 games, totaling a league-high 33 during that stretch to add to their 48 sacks, which also ranks first. Their defense hasn't shown weakness from their ineffective offense, although that is a moderate concern going up against the Bills. Still, the ceiling here is intriguing, as Josh Allen is sacked on 7.5 percent of dropbacks (12th highest). The Bills are frugal with the ball, turning it over just 14 times, but their 21.1 PPG…read more

The Steelers allowed 13 points and 279 total yards in Week 13's win over the Browns.

Analysis: The Steelers also posted two turnovers, marking their 10th multi-turnover game in the last 11 contests. That just adds to their upside since the Steelers rank third with 3.57 sacks per game. The Cardinals are vulnerable on their offensive front, as Kyler Murray has been sacked on 8.8 percent of dropbacks, but they've only coughed up nine turnovers. They can open up the game with their passing game, though, and they've surpassed over 25 points in six of their last eight contests. The high…read more

The Steelers yielded 10 points and forced two turnovers in Week 12's win over the Bengals.

Analysis: The Steelers did what was necessary against the Bengals, and now they'll face the Browns for the second time in three weeks. Lately, QB Baker Mayfield has performed to the level we expected him to all season, tossing seven touchdowns and just one pick while averaging 252.7 passing YPG over the last three weeks. The Steelers should benefit from facing them at home, although their inability to chase down Mayfield during their last meeting is troubling. However, they had a few opportunities for…read more

The Steelers allowed 21 points and didn't force a turnover in Week 11's loss to the Browns.

Analysis: The Steelers eight-game, multi-turnover streak came crashing down, as they mishandled a couple of Baker Mayfield's errant passes but altogether were ineffective with just one sack against a weak offensive front. They have a timely matchup to get back on track, as the Bengals haven't surpassed 17 points in five games, while QB Ryan Finley has been a disaster, completing 47.5 percent of his passes and recording 4.6 YPA. Considering the Steelers' defense ranks ninth with 7.0 YPA and fourth with…read more

The Steelers allowed 12 points and forced four turnovers, returning one for a touchdown, in Week 10's win over the Rams.

Analysis: The Steelers registered another masterful game in the fantasy realm, as they stacked up at least three turnovers for the fifth straight game. SS Minkah Fitzpatrick may be the trade of the year with five interceptions in seven contests with the Steelers, and he's responsible for touchdowns in each of the last two outings. The Steelers are no longer a secret for fantasy purposes, as they rank second only to the Patriots with 26 turnovers on the season. They need to be deployed agianst the Browns,…read more