Is Jaylen Warren A Good Fantasy Football Pickup for Week 4? Waiver Wire Outlook

The Pittsburgh Steelers are off to a 2-1 start in the 2023 season, largely in part to the performance of their stellar defense.

Despite an encouraging offseason, the Steelers have yet to have a great offensive performance this season. This is largely due to the fact that the Steelers have failed to establish a solid rushing attack.

The Steelers are currently averaging 67 rushing yards per game and 3.2 yards per carry. However, second-year running back Jaylen Warren has provided the team a spark in the passing game.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

What Has Jaylen Warren Done So Far?

Jaylen Warren entered this season with high expectations from the fantasy football community, where many predicted him to take over as the RB1 in Pittsburgh this season.

Although it has not happened in the running game, Warren has excelled as a receiver in the Steelers' offense. Through 3 games, Warren has 12 receptions for 101 yards. His ability to produce after the catch has provided a spark to a so-far mediocre offense.

Jaylen Warren: 125 yards after the catch this season

Leads all RBs and ranks 5th most in the NFL

📈📈📈 pic.twitter.com/FxR1r9XDX1

— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) September 25, 2023

Along with this, Warren's snap share has increased each week. Through the first three games, his snap percentage has jumped from 40% to 45%.

Are There Any Worrying Signs About Jaylen Warren?

Despite Warren's effectiveness as a pass-catcher, he has been subpar in the running game.

On 17 carries, Warren has accounted for just 55 rushing yards. His 3.2 yards per carry are significantly worse than Najee Harris, who has rushed for 139 yards on 35 attempts.

Along with this, Warren has only seen one red zone target this season and has yet to attempt a rush in the red zone. For fantasy purposes, this is very concerning. If the Steelers continue to struggle getting into the red zone, it will severely limit Warren's fantasy ceiling.

Should I Pickup Jaylen Warren Off the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Football?

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a lot of room to improve offensively this season, and it will start with running the ball. Without somewhat of an effective rushing attack, this team will fail to move the ball on opposing defenses.

Jaylen Warren will have to prove that he can be a more effective contributor on the ground to achieve fantasy relevancy. If not, his volume as a pass-catcher is not enough to warrant him as a consistent fantasy contributor. However, the season is long, and Warren should see plenty more opportunities to make big plays. He is a good waiver wire option to pick up and hold while waiting to see increase opportunities.

More Fantasy Football Analysis