The Steelers sit at 2-1 after Week 3, riding a notably cleaner defensive performance. Cole Holcomb logged every defensive snap, overtaking Payton Wilson and signaling a clearer LB pecking order as Pittsburgh leaned on a deep rotation along the line and solid veteran play in the secondary. The improved cohesion came after two uneven weeks, with new defensive look(s) contributing to a more reliable fantasy floor for the Steelers’ defenders. A confident step forward in a key division-year stretch.

Denver’s 1-2 start has the inside linebacker room in flux as a brutal four-week run looms against Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and the New York clubs. Dre Greenlaw’s signing gave hope, but an IR stint pushes his Week 7 return back and leaves the Broncos thin at a critical position. With Greenlaw out, Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad must anchor a shallow depth chart as veteran options are explored.

Denver is eyeing veterans such as Cole Holcomb, Troy Reeder, Eric Kendricks, and Kwon Alexander to stabilize run fits and pass coverage while Greenlaw recovers. The focus isn’t just short-term; the team wants a steady presence who can contribute immediately in what should be a defining stretch of the season.

Pittsburgh could shed depth ahead of roster cuts by moving Skylar Thompson, Cole Holcomb and Beanie Bishop for draft capital. Thompson might fetch a Day 3 pick, Holcomb a 4th–5th, Bishop a 5th–6th, with Raiders, Colts, Panthers, Chargers, Packers and Dolphins pegged as fits.

The strategy would clear spots, maximize value and keep the Steelers' rebuild moving while accumulating more late-round picks for flexibility, depth and future leverage in trades.

Pittsburgh's preseason defensive report shows clear winners and losers. Derrick Harmon dropped stock, Yahya Black and Logan Lee rose in depth, Isaiahh Loudermilk and DeMarvin Leal dipped, while Jack Sawyer also fell. Inside linebacker Cole Holcomb surged with steadier play, and Mark Robinson slipped. Carson Bruener impressed enough to push for rotational snaps. Panthers were the test backdrop, underscoring where Pittsburgh must refine roles for Week 1.

Holcomb and Bruener loom as likely Week 1 contributors, Harmon and Loudermilk must rebound, and the edge and coverage units will shape the floor for fantasy streaming. In a crowded defense, volume and snaps will decide which Steelers defenders become reliable fantasy adds early in the season.