Fantasy Insider Report: Steelers Begin Year 2 With Kenny Pickett

Pittsburgh’s quarterback not likely to light it up, but he’ll have some valuable weapons at his disposal.

The Athlon Sports 2023 Fantasy Football Annual magazine reached out to team insiders at all 32 NFL clubs to ask them three key fantasy questions heading into the season. As we count down to training camp, Sports Illustrated will publish their answers here. Today’s team: Pittsburgh Steelers 

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What numbers do you project for Kenny Pickett in his first full season as starter?
Though he showed a number of promising flashes as a rookie, Pickett should be considered a middle-of-the-road depth option until further notice. It’s just hard to get excited about a player who threw more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (seven) when there are so many other proven options at the position. That said, Pickett should and will be better in his second NFL season, and his rushing ability (237 yards, three TDs in 2022) shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s just a wait-and-see proposition.

• 2023 Team Outlook: Pittsburgh Steelers

After he failed to score a touchdown last season, what do you expect from Diontae Johnson in 2023?
Johnson’s inability to crack the end zone wasn’t for a lack of trying. He had double-digit targets in eight games last season, including five of the final seven. The volume should be there again, which makes Johnson someone you’d like to have in a PPR league. If he’s able to maintain that volume — and he should — then it’s worth believing that Johnson will crack the end zone a few times in 2023.

Can Najee Harris return to his rookie form, or will he struggle as he did in 2022?
The Steelers continue to improve their offensive line, and the latest upgrades should, in theory, make things a little easier for Harris. The long-term concern from a fantasy perspective, though, is Harris’ role in the Steelers passing attack. Harris — who benefited greatly from Ben Roethlisberger’s propensity to check down in his final NFL season — had 33 fewer receptions in 2022. If Harris’ role in the passing game looks more like Year 2 than Year 1, it’s probably safe to consider Harris a good, but not great, fantasy option.

—Athlon Sports

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