Benton’s mid-season breakout signals a sturdier interior line, potentially freeing outside rushers and tightening run defense as he gains more trust in rotation.

Benton anchored the interior with 1.5 sacks, 3 QB hits, and multiple disruptions, anchoring a dominant Steelers front. His progress from early-season questions to a disruptive force inside showcases the unit’s ceiling when he’s dialed in and diagnosing plays quickly.

Benton underperformed, losing snaps to Ekuale; coaches link participation to overall snap total rather than a benching. A continued rough stretch could widen Ekuale’s role, squeezing Benton’s fantasy upside while keeping the interior rotation dynamic and dependent on game script.

Benton anchors the middle for Pittsburgh, with a primary role in slowing Jets’ interior run game and pressuring Fields on early reads. His presence could tilt the trench battle toward the Steelers and contribute to interior disruption that supports the defense’s fantasy upside in tackles and run-stuffing metrics.

Benton would absorb heavier interior duties if Heyward is limited or out; his snaps could define DL stability and fantasy upside.