Aaron Rodgers’ arrival in Pittsburgh is not just a headline-grab; it could reshape 2025 fantasy value by lifting the Steelers’ backfield options and opening up attacking avenues for the pass game. Warren and the rookie Kaleb Johnson may benefit most as Rodgers’ play-action and timing throws could keep defenses honest and create clearer lanes for a veteran in Warren or a dynamic rookie in Johnson. Rodgers’ history with top-scoring backs—Jones in Green Bay and others—gives Warren a plausible path to bigger yardage and improved fantasy receipts, especially with Najee Harris now elsewhere.

SportsLine’s model adds a broader flavor: Waddle and Downs surface as sleepers and breakouts, with Bateman cast as a bust candidate in 2025. The piece highlights a Colts connection between Richardson and Downs, plus a potential Waddle rebound aided by Jonnu Smith’s departure to the Steelers, which could free targets. It’s a reminder that the 2025 rankings and cheat sheets are driven by a model that has historically nailed sleepers and breakouts, and that fantasy managers should lean on those simulated projections when mapping draft strategies across PPR and non-PPR formats.

In short, Rodgers to Pittsburgh isn’t just about pass-catchers; it could unlock a more balanced offense where Warren or Kaleb Johnson emerge as reliable 2025 fantasy contributors. The piece also stresses using robust rankings and rich cheat sheets to navigate the evolving landscape, with sleeper value anchoring many early-round decisions and bust risk shaping later pivots.

Pittsburgh’s No. 20 runs deep in Steelers lore, and this year’s No. 20 is Kaleb Johnson, a 2025 third‑round pick who could step into a larger workload after Najee Harris left for Los Angeles. Johnson sits behind Jaylen Warren for now, but the vacancy hints at a potential breakout opportunity if he seizes reps early. The No. 20 lineage also carries Rocky Bleier’s legendary comeback and a string of notable wearers (Cameron Sutton, Patrick Peterson, Robert Golden, Al-Hajj Shabazz) that frames today’s assignment with historical gravity. The Jets loom in MetLife Stadium, but the conversation centers on how a storied number can shape a rookie’s fantasy ceiling and a veteran roster turning points.

Beyond the on‑field path, the piece sketches how No. 20 has evolved from Bleier’s 1,000‑yard seasons and four Super Bowls to a modern rookie’s arc, with the Steelers balancing depth, youth, and tradition. The countdown format links the roster to a larger narrative: a young backfield, a defensive veteran who briefly wore the number, and a franchise that still leans on a long memory of 20s past. It’s a brand‑new snapshot of a single digit, but a window into how a franchise plans a season around opportunity, history, and competitive pressure.

Kaleb Johnson's Week 2 preseason burst against Tampa Bay put a bright spotlight on the Steelers' rookie backfield. Johnson flashed patience, burst through creases, and showed enough contact balance to suggest he can handle more than conventional preseason carries. Even in Pittsburgh's 17-14 loss, his ability to threaten the second and third levels stood out, earning quiet praise from Mike Tomlin as one of the rookies who shined. The performance fuels optimism about his potential role as the Steelers finalize their backfield mix.

With Derrick Harmon also drawing Tomlin's attention after the game, Pittsburgh heads to Carolina for another tune-up, offering Johnson another platform to prove he belongs in the plans for 2025. Fantasy managers should monitor how Pittsburgh slices carries behind Najee Harris and whether Johnson carves out a significant early-down or change-of-pace role. The backfield narrative remains fluid, but Johnson’s early-showing provides a tangible path to real NFL snaps this season.

Pittsburgh’s second preseason outing spotlighted two rookie standouts: Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson. Harmon dominated on the edge, knotting up a sack on Ben Scott while Johnson surged for 59 yards from scrimmage across 12 touches, signaling the Steelers' desired early impact from their 2025 draft selections.

Tomlin’s postgame reflection emphasized the growth that comes with a second stadium appearance, reinforcing faith in the two rookies as they prepare for the 2025 regular season opener against the Jets at MetLife. Fantasy managers should monitor how Harmon and Johnson press for meaningful snaps as Pittsburgh leans on youth to fuel depth and versatility.

With the Jets looming, these preseason flashes could translate into early-season opportunities, particularly in sub-packages and third-down scenarios. Steelers coverage and fantasy angles will hinge on how Pittsburgh deploys Harmon and Johnson in Week 1, making them notable late-draft targets or waiver adds as September nears.