Streaking Steelers: Let Russ Cook!

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson had plenty of doubt swirling around him after two disappointing seasons with the Denver Broncos. Many said he simply didn't have it anymore, was washed, shouldn't be a starter, and was at the tail end of his career.

Instead, at age 35, we've seen Wilson revitalize his career and whip up two chef's masterpieces in his three games as the starter for the Steelers. His latest performance was a three-touchdown effort against the Washington Commanders, lifting his team to 7-2 and all but guaranteeing a spot in the playoffs.

In Week 11, he'll have a divisional showdown with the Baltimore Ravens, one of the best teams in the AFC and the entire league. Can Russ cook up some bird stew for the Pittsburgh faithful and deliver another huge win? Should he be picked up and started in fantasy leagues? What does he mean for his pass-catchers? Let's find out!

• 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

Can Russ Help The Steelers Beat The Ravens In Week 11?

It's entirely possible. After all, he's a Super Bowl champion, so he clearly has it in him to win big games. But he's been playing like one of the better quarterbacks in the league this year. He's thrown six touchdowns in his three games as the starter. He's looking every bit like a QB1.

Russell Wilson in the 4th quarter with the Steelers:

- 11 completions on 14 throws
- 216 yards
- 3 TDs
- 0 INTs
- 15.4 yards per attempt
- 9 1st down conversions
- 158.3 passer rating

Perfect. pic.twitter.com/4OKB1mzEND

— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) November 11, 2024

He's been ridiculous in the clutch -- he's had nearly flawless performances in the fourth quarters of games this season. If the game comes down to the wire, he can be trusted to deliver. And the Ravens aren't without their flaws. They've allowed 294.9 passing yards per game to opposing offenses, which is the most in the league, and over 30 yards more than the second-most.

Wilson has a variety of weapons in the passing game. Wide receiver George Pickens looks like a true WR1 with No. 3 throwing the ball to him, and he should have a field day against the Ravens' porous secondary. He's continued his ways of making highlight-reel catches and putting up big games.

Should You Pickup And Start Russell Wilson?   

Yes. He's rostered in just 55% of Sleeper leagues, and that number should be higher. He's now scored 24.9, 13.8, and 19.1 fantasy points in his three starts, making him a QB1 in points per game so far. And he'll face a Baltimore defense that's allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.

Went to see how the Steelers' passing offense has stacked up to the rest of the NFL since Russell Wilson became the starter (pretty good).

Came away from it thinking that beating the Ravens & a red-hot Lamar Jackson would be the Steelers' biggest statement win in a long time. pic.twitter.com/gI7Qa45HKC

— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) November 15, 2024

He's led one of the most efficient and effective offensive attacks since taking over in Week 7. He has good receivers, a good offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith (who's finally redeeming himself for fantasy managers), and is part of a well-run organization. It would be a mistake to leave him on the bench.

What about George Pickens and Mike Williams?  

Well, Pickens is a must-start and has been ever since Wilson took over. He's delivered for fantasy managers -- he's earned 11, five, and seven targets in Weeks 7, 8, and 10, and turned those into 22.1, 11.4, and 20.5 PPR fantasy points. He's caught 14 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns in those three contests.

WOW!

How was George Pickens able to locate and catch this ball???…

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯#NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/XNx6ysRfn9

— The Standard (@TheStandard412) November 15, 2024

There have long been questions about his attitude, work ethic, and character, but never any about his talent. He's a circus catch connoisseur, which makes him a perfect fit for his new quarterback, who's known for throwing beautiful deep passes. He's also the clear focal point of the Steel City's passing attack.

WR Mike Williams was traded from the New York Jets to the Steelers and presents an intriguing option for fantasy managers looking for an upgraded bench stash or a new starter due to injuries or bye weeks. Williams had just one target in Week 10, his debut with the team, but turned that into a 32-yard touchdown catch.

Mike Williams is 6'4" and weighs 218 pounds. As long as he stays healthy, he's going to be a very dangerous deep threat for Russell Wilson. pic.twitter.com/WOfZRPnLe6

— Billy Hartford (@CamHeywardFan) November 5, 2024

Speaking of highlight-reel catches, Williams is a giant, and he's a perfect player to catch Wilson's vaunted moon shots. He's a contested catch specialist and an excellent downfield threat. He should be more involved in the offense moving forward as well. He could be an interesting boom-or-bust player moving forward.

He's dealt with a litany of injuries in his career and is coming off a torn ACL that prematurely ended his 2023 season, but he's still talented. And in a potential shootout with Baltimore, he's worth starting in deeper leagues, like those with 14 or more teams, or those with extra WR/FLEX spots.

VINTAGE RUSS BOMB TO MIKE WILLIAMS FOR HIS 1ST TD AS A STEELER 🔥pic.twitter.com/NaK09i1Q2m

— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) November 10, 2024

He's rostered in just 23% of Sleeper leagues, so he's a great speculative bench stash. It remains to be seen how many targets he'll get when he's fully worked into his new offensive system, but the upside is impressive.

Pat Freiermuth Fantasy Football Outlook  

Tight end Pat Freiermuth caught one of Wilson's touchdowns in Week 10, but it's hard to recommend starting him due to his low target volume. He seems to be a player who's consistently hyped in fantasy circles and always "on the verge of a breakout" but it just hasn't materialized.

shoutout to the 15% of Pat Freiermuth managers who started him 🙌
pic.twitter.com/sE0FwyNWZh

— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) November 10, 2024

He's been targeted three, two, and three times with his new QB1. It's incredibly difficult to produce fantasy-relevant numbers with so few opportunities to catch the ball. Pittsburgh is still a run-heavy team -- they've opted to run the ball at the second-highest rate in the league, at just under 53.3%.

Smith is known for his preference to run the ball as much as humanly possible, so there may not be room for someone other than Pickens and Williams to be fantasy-relevant consistently catching the ball. Perhaps speedster WR Calvin Austin III could have a few big games.

Freiermuth isn't a downfield big-play threat like Williams, Austin, and Pickens are, though, so he likely won't capitalize on one of Wilson's biggest strengths, either. He can be left on waivers/free agency in most leagues.

More Fantasy Football Analysis