Justin Fields’ Impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers & Russell Wilson’s Role

2024 NFL Fantasy Football: Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Situation—What’s Next for Fantasy Managers?

The Steelers find themselves in a challenging spot when it comes to their quarterback situation in the 2024 NFL season. The team has cycled between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, with neither quarterback providing the consistency the team desperately needs. For fantasy football managers, this creates a dilemma: who should you trust moving forward, and is there any fantasy value to be salvaged from this situation?

Justin Fields: The Future or Just Another Stopgap?

Fields has shown flashes of brilliance as a fantasy quarterback this season, especially with his rushing ability. In fact, Fields has already rushed for over 200 yards, making him an intriguing option in leagues where rushing yards are valued highly. Despite this, Fields has been inconsistent, and the Steelers have shown an odd willingness to experiment with Wilson, which raises questions about Fields’ future as the starter.

Fantasy Impact: For now, Fields remains a hold in fantasy leagues, especially in superflex formats. His rushing upside alone keeps him fantasy-relevant, even when his passing numbers lag behind. Fields can still deliver fantasy points, especially if the Steelers embrace his dual-threat capabilities and allow him to use his legs more frequently. However, the coaching staff’s hesitation to fully unleash Fields is a concern.

Verdict: Hold. Fields remains a viable fantasy starter due to his rushing ability, but monitor the Steelers’ quarterback situation closely. If Wilson continues to eat into his playing time, Fields’ value could drop significantly.

Russell Wilson: A Career in Decline

Wilson’s 2024 season has been marked by disappointment. His performance has been a shadow of what it once was, yet the Steelers seem intent on giving him opportunities. This infatuation with Wilson is puzzling, as his decline is evident, and he no longer offers the dynamic play that made him a fantasy football star in the past.

For fantasy managers, the question is whether Wilson is worth holding onto at all. While it’s possible the Steelers turn back to Wilson after another subpar game from Fields, his ceiling is far lower, and his lack of mobility limits his upside.

Fantasy Impact: Wilson’s fantasy value is minimal at this point, even if he does get the starting nod again. He’s unlikely to offer consistent production and is far less appealing than Fields due to his lack of rushing ability. If you’re desperate in a deep league, Wilson may be worth a stash, but don’t expect much.

Verdict: Drop. There’s little reason to hold onto Wilson in most formats. His fantasy value has evaporated, and the Steelers’ offense looks far more dynamic with Fields under center.

Betting Element: Steelers Quarterback Props

From a betting perspective, the Steelers’ quarterback situation presents a tricky scenario. If Fields is starting, his rushing yardage props are worth considering. Fields has the potential to break off big runs, particularly if the Steelers start calling more designed quarterback runs. However, if Wilson is under center, avoid betting on the Steelers’ passing game altogether. Wilson’s production has been too erratic to trust.

Recommendation: Target Justin Fields’ rushing yards prop if he starts. His rushing ability remains his greatest strength, and if the Steelers let him loose, he could easily hit the over. If Wilson starts, it’s best to avoid betting on the Steelers’ quarterback props altogether.

What’s Next for the Steelers?

The Steelers find themselves in a precarious position. With their offense underperforming and their quarterback situation in flux, they may soon need to decide whether to commit to Fields as their long-term starter or continue to experiment with Wilson. One more bad game from Fields could see the Steelers turn back to Wilson, but at this point, it’s clear that Fields offers the better chance of winning games and moving the ball.

Fantasy Impact: For fantasy managers, the ideal scenario is for the Steelers to stick with Fields. His rushing ability makes him a valuable fantasy asset, especially if the team starts using him more aggressively in designed runs and quarterback draws. However, the uncertainty around the quarterback position makes the entire Steelers offense less reliable for fantasy purposes.

Verdict: Fields is the better option for the Steelers moving forward, and if the coaching staff embraces his strengths, he could remain a viable fantasy starter. Wilson, on the other hand, should not be considered a long-term fantasy option.

Conclusion: The Steelers’ QB Dilemma in Fantasy

The Steelers’ quarterback situation in 2024 has been a rollercoaster for fantasy managers. Fields offers upside, particularly with his rushing ability, but his inconsistency and the team’s infatuation with Wilson make him a volatile option. Wilson, on the other hand, appears to be past his prime and offers little fantasy value at this point.

For now, Fields remains a hold, especially in leagues that reward rushing yards, while Wilson can be safely dropped in most formats. Keep an eye on how the Steelers handle their quarterback rotation, as it could have a significant impact on the rest of the season.

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.