Fields' legs kept the Jets afloat as they escaped a tight test with the Steelers 34-32, with Breece Hall smashing through for 104 rushing yards while Fields added 48 on the ground. After the game, Juan Thornhill pointed to a lack of prep for a running quarterback, underscoring a potential coaching misstep that may have inflated Pittsburgh’s defensive yips. Aaron Rodgers delivered vintage vibes for NYJ, triggering a best-case fantasy scenario as Boswell drilled a 60-yard FG to seal it. Fantasy outlooks tilt toward Fields' rushing floor and Hall's workload, while PIT’s defense must prove it can adjust on the move.

Analytically, the win spotlighted the Jets’ ceiling when Rodgers is firing on all cylinders and the Steelers’ need for more disciplined game-planning against mobile QBs. For fantasy managers, Fields becomes a high-floor play thanks to his mobility, Hall remains a clear RB1 candidate, and Rodgers’ connection with NYJ receivers adds appeal across the board as Week 2 approaches.

T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey anchored Pittsburgh’s Week 1 defense, delivering elite PFF marks as the unit navigated injuries and still beat the Jets. Watt led the way at 82.4, with Ramsey close behind at 79.4, pairing edge pressure with tight coverage to highlight the day’s brightest defensive performances.

The top-10 on defense also featured Daniel Ekuale, DeShon Elliott, Patrick Queen, Cameron Heyward, Brandin Echols, Malik Harrison, Chuck Clark, and Juan Thornhill, who all chipped in with crucial stops and fits. Week 2 vs. Seattle looms, making health the biggest variable for sustaining pressure and limiting big plays in a tighter matchup.

Fantasy takeaway: Watt remains a high-floor star; Thornhill and Ramsey offer steady safety floors; Echols and Clark could be viable DB plays if others deteriorate. Depth players will be tested as Pittsburgh leans on its stars to carry the unit through injuries.

DeShon Elliott's knee injury in Week 1 vs. New York Jets leaves Pittsburgh with a thinner safety room as the Steelers lean on Juan Thornhill and Chuck Clark to lead the back end. Jalen Ramsey may slide between corner and safety, with Brandin Echols stepping into a larger role if needed. Rookie Derrick Harmon and Nick Herbig were sidelined, forcing creative package adjustments and a likely shift in coverage schemes early in the season.

Fantasy and betting angles hinge on how Pittsburgh reshapes its safety pairings. Thornhill’s workload could rise, Ramsey’s versatility becomes even more valuable, and Echols’ snap count could surge in coverage alignments. The Steelers need to stay aggressive, but depth will be tested as Elliott’s absence narrows the safety closet and invites tactical tweaks from the coaching staff.

Pittsburgh’s 2025 outlook leans on a star-powered offensive rebuild and an upgraded defense. Rodgers leads the charge, Metcalf anchors the pass game, Watt remains the disruptive force, and a slate of rookies—Kaleb Johnson on offense and Yahya Black on the line—aim to lift the ceiling. Thornhill joins the secondary, Wilson and Austin II vie for #2 receiver, and Slay is pegged for a bounce-back in name value but not necessarily production. Holcomb’s return and Smith’s special-teams tempo round out a high-variance but fantasy-rich season.

The Steelers shore up safety depth by re-signing Chuck Clark and Max Scharping, while placing Will Howard and Donte Kent on short-term IR. The moves come as Pittsburgh stacks experience behind DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill, and after Minkah Fitzpatrick’s trade-era absences. Clark’s return adds veteran versatility, while Scharping strengthens the interior line to support the run game and protect the young quarterback lineup.