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.

Beanie Bishop Jr. returns to the Steelers' fold on the practice squad as Pittsburgh swarms the cornerback room with Brandin Echols, Donte Kent and Jalen Ramsey joining in free agency and the draft. The veteran Ram(sey) upgrade tightens coverage while Bishop’s ceiling remains tied to injuries and early camp opportunities. Rodgers’ Jets history and Bishop’s prior slot success add intrigue for fantasy managers eyeing late-week moves or midseason elevations.

The Panthers come into play as the final preseason test before cuts, and the evolving nickel/slot dynamic behind Ramsey and Echols will shape how Pittsburgh deploys its corners in Week 1. Track camp reps, injury news and potential early-season elevations to time your pickups.

Emeka Egbuka flashed again for the Buccaneers in Week 2 of the preseason, pulling in a one-handed touchdown against Brandin Echols and drawing praise for his polish. His lone reception underscored high-end ability, even as he played a limited role. Tampa Bay is expected to lean on him early, especially with Chris Godwin Jr. nursing an ankle injury from 2024 and Jalen McMillan on injured reserve.

PFF’s Dalton Wasserman highlighted Egbuka’s high-end potential, noting a seam-to-corner threat and a play where a pass sailed out of bounds, suggesting the rookie could contribute quickly in the Buccaneers’ passing game. While he may not be the top target right away, his poise and route sense hint at a rapid path to meaningful snaps in a QB-friendly system.

With the Bridgewater-led offense showing steady competence and Brandin Echols locking down opposing receivers in the preseason, Tampa Bay’s receiving corps could feature Egbuka prominently sooner than later. Fantasy managers should monitor Godwin’s health and the rookie’s continued usage as Week 1 approaches, as the slate could tilt toward a more defined pass-catching role earlier than expected.

Overall, Egbuka’s Week 2 performance reinforces a tantalizing upside for dynasty formats and a cautious DFS/season-long bet for 2024 fantasy rosters, especially in deeper leagues that prize rookie opportunity and pass-game involvement.

The Steelers and Buccaneers staged a joint practice ahead of a weekend preseason game, and Brandin Echols gave a rare, direct read on how the defense started—flat and short on energy, with a clear plan to come out stronger. The candid assessment underscores the Steelers’ emphasis on energy and cohesion as they gauge depth for the coming season.

From a fantasy lens, the message is a reminder to monitor how Pittsburgh’s secondary and front seven respond in upcoming preseason action. If the defense answers the call with improved tempo and communication, the Steelers’ defensive options could stabilize, while any uptick in offensive efficiency from TB could shift game scripts in the shortest weeks of the preseason.