Pittsburgh’s edge rushers have shown a high ceiling and a few health bumps through four games. Watt surged in Weeks 3–4 with three sacks, 10 tackles, and big-impact plays, silencing early-season concerns. Highsmith started strong in Weeks 1–2 before an ankle sprain sidelined him, leaving the door open for Herbig’s breakout run. Rookie Jack Sawyer has steadied the run and contributed in bursts as the group navigates a crowded room. The evolving rotation shapes both real-world defense and fantasy upside for the rest of 2025.

As the Steelers head into the bye, the combination of Watt’s elite talent, Herbig’s surge, Sawyer’s situational contributions, and Highsmith’s return will determine sack floors and leverage in upcoming matchups. Expect Pittsburgh to lean on a flexible, multi-weapon approach that can spike sack totals in favorable downs and create consistent tackle floors for IDP and fantasy units.

Madden NFL 26 Ultimate Team drops TOTW 3 with two 89 OVR Limiteds: Caleb Williams (QB, Bears) and Isaiah Rodgers (CB, Vikings). 88 OVRs include A.J. Brown (PHI), Quinshon Judkins (CLE), and T.J. Watt (PIT). An 85 OVR tier features Tyquan Thornton (KC), Chau Smith-Wade (CAR), Ricky Pearsall (SF), Hunter Henry (NE), Derion Kendrick (SEA), Sterling Shepard (TB), and Antonio Johnson (JAX). Champions and Heroes categories spotlight additional standouts, creating strong week-to-week fantasy and MUT lineup moves.

Watt must light a fire after two games with no sacks, even as his 13% pressure rate shows he’s winning his matchups. Pittsburgh faces a quick-throw attack from Fields and Darnold in Week 3, and the plan hinges on carving out finishing pressure while stunts and angles test a Patriots line featuring a rookie left tackle and a veteran right tackle.

Fantasy takeaway: Watt’s ceiling hinges on converting pressure to sacks, turnovers, or TFLs. If he unlocks a splash play, the Steelers' defense gains a higher floor and Watt becomes a must-start, whereas a conservative line could keep him in low-ceiling fantasy leagues until he breaks through.