Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2025 NFL season with a lot of intrigue and some key roster changes that fantasy football players and Steelers fans should watch closely. Head coach Mike Tomlin continues his streak of never having a losing season, but the offense struggled last year, ranking 23rd overall and 27th in passing yards per game. A major offseason move was moving on from Russell Wilson. In his place, Pittsburgh signed Aaron Rodgers, who at 41 is seen as an upgrade but also has shown signs of decline in recent years with decreasing touchdowns and completion rates. Rodgers’ veteran presence could stabilize the offense, but chemistry and locker room dynamics remain concerns given his personality and recent trends.

On the offensive skill positions, rookie running back Kaleb Johnson has generated plenty of buzz, with many projecting he will surpass 1,000 rushing yards as the lead back and contribute over 20 receptions along with about seven total touchdowns. Johnson’s running style combines patience and vision rather than pure speed, making him a powerful early-down and goal-line option. Although not considered much of a third-down target yet, his training camp performance has drawn praise, with some insiders calling him a "Walking TD" candidate. Meanwhile, wide receiver Calvin Austin III is expected to be a disappointment this season amid the Steelers' decision to strengthen the tight end group by trading for Jonnu Smith. Smith and Pat Freiermuth are projected to be the team’s top two receiving options, potentially breaking the NFL record for most receptions by two tight ends on the same team in a season.

On defense, the Steelers appear much improved. They were ranked fourth in fantasy points scored by defense and special teams last year and have upgraded their secondary significantly with additions like Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey. These veteran cornerbacks will join rising star Joey Porter Jr. to create a much stronger pass defense, especially in generating turnovers, where Pittsburgh tied for the league lead last season. This revamped secondary should maintain or even improve the Steelers' strong defensive reputation and offer a reliable fantasy defense unit in 2025.

Quarterback depth remains an open question behind Aaron Rodgers, with Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard from Ohio State both on the roster but considered downgrades if called upon. The running backs and tight ends look to be the most dependable offensive fantasy assets, with Johnson and the Smith-Freiermuth duo leading the charge. The passing game’s upside hinges on how well Rodgers adapts and can both protect the ball and deliver in key moments. Overall, the Steelers project to be competitive but not dominant, with fantasy value centered on a strong defense and emerging skill players rather than an explosive offense.

Updated 08/23/2025