Steelers pass game shows flashes through four games, but the bye week highlights blocking and scheme as the bigger culprits, not the receivers. DK Metcalf leads with 261 yards and a reliable, quick-hit connection with Rodgers on short and intermediate routes.

Calvin Austin's speed opens space for others, though he has not topped 35 receiving yards in three games. Roman Wilson has been quiet, Ben Skowronek brings dependable hands and a Rodgers TD, and Scotty Miller remains without a catch early.

As Rodgers anchors the offense, Pittsburgh must let Metcalf continue to dominate and push the rest to raise their level once the line stabilizes and the attack identity firms up.

Aaron Rodgers' debut with the New York Jets came with a flourish, as he threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover, instantly boosting fantasy optimism for the Jets' aerial attack. DK Metcalf looked like a new-era top target in his Jets debut, snagging four receptions for 83 yards and signaling a high floor for Week 1. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, Calvin Austin III flashed in Week 1 with 70 yards on four catches and a TD, while Roman Wilson faded to a mere 10 offensive snaps with no targets.

Week 1 leaned heavily on the Steelers' tight ends—Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington logged substantial snaps—plus Connor Heyward, limiting upside for Wilson. Meanwhile, Skowronek made the most of his Week 1 opportunities and could push for more Week 2 snaps, while Austin cemented WR2 duties, at least early. Rodgers’ distribution and Austin’s consistency will drive the Jets’ fantasy leverage going forward.

Rodgers' Week 1 debut in Pittsburgh looms as the centerpiece of the Steelers' aerial attack, with a revenge-game framing against the Jets fueling optimism for fantasy owners. Watch Freiermuth as the steadying top target, Jones anchoring the line at left tackle, and Wilson flashing Year 2 promise as Rodgers aims for quick timing and big plays. This opener could set the tone for a high-volume Pittsburgh passing attack and a breakout season for several fantasy-relevant players.

Jones steps in at LT in a pivotal test, Freiermuth could push into breakout territory, and Wilson looks to capitalize on a Rodgers connection. The Jets present a stern test, but a clean pocket and early rhythm could unlock meaningful fantasy points in Week 1, making Rodgers, Freiermuth, Jones, and Wilson appealing targets for savvy fantasy managers.

Gruden pushes back against the 'Steelers don’t have wideouts' take, spotlighting Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson as potential breakout producers and citing DK Metcalf as a benchmark. He argues Pittsburgh’s pass-catch options could exceed expectations with strategic usage this season, even in a league-long-standing QB boost. Week 1 at MetLife vs the Jets will test those claims with Rodgers delivering the ball to a refreshed group.

In a narrative-friendly AFC North preview, Gruden frames the Steelers’ WRs as underrated fantasy assets whose upside depends on design, timing, and matchup-specific plays. The Jets game could serve as the first real barometer for this underrated corps, making Week 1 a critical driver for early-season fantasy projections and betting angles.