Derrick Harmon has emerged as the Steelers’ standout rookie through four weeks, delivering a sack, a tackle for loss and a pass deflection that led to an interception in just two games. His bursts have coincided with Pittsburgh’s strongest defensive stretch this season, signaling real fantasy upside in IDP and DFS if his role grows.

With the rest of the rookie class quiet and no Steelers on the quarter-season All-Rookie list, the bye week becomes a pivot for development and clearer roles. Dynasty managers should monitor Harmon’s snap count and impact plays as the 17-game slate unfolds, while the other rookies jostle for usage behind him.

The Steelers sit at 3-1 as the bye week arrives, with their 2025 rookie class already making noise. Derrick Harmon has become a steady force on the defensive line, while Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black have flashed in limited action. Two late-round rookies look to rejoin the fold soon—Will Howard and Donte Kent—ahead of Week 6 against the Browns. Howard’s return could lock in the third quarterback role, and Kent would bolster a secondary in need as Ramsey heals.

Meanwhile, Cory Trice Jr. looms as a potentially disruptive outside corner when healthy. The bye buys Pittsburgh time to reintegrate key pieces and sharpen the defense around a developing group that includes Harmon, Sawyer, and Black, with Rodgers and Rudolph mentoring Howard as the rookie QB eyeing a larger role. The coming weeks will test how these rookies reshape Pittsburgh’s ceiling late in the season.

The Steelers arrive in Dublin for Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, the first NFL game in Ireland since 2013. Pittsburgh even swapped Gaelic versions on practice jerseys—Mac Fautanu for Troy Fautanu, O'Duibh for Yahya Black—and the league blocked an earlier departure to aid acclimation. Kickoff is 9:30 a.m. ET, a rare morning start that tests travel, rhythm, and preparation.

Cam Heyward recalled the 2013 London trip as a cautionary tale about sleep and timing, while both clubs navigate an international stage that adds novelty to the clash. Fantasy angles emerge in early rhythm, rotation patterns, and the potential for surprise performances as teams adjust to foreign soil and a new kickoff window.

Cam Heyward is expected to play Week 1 against the New York Jets, keeping Pittsburgh’s interior defense anchored. Derrick Harmon is out, so Keeanu Benton and Yahya Black would shoulder heavier loads if Heyward sits. The visible pre-season drama around Heyward’s 2025 raise lingers, but Mike Tomlin’s stance signals confidence in the veteran. For fantasy managers, Heyward’s status directly shapes the DL rotation and potential upside for Benton and Black.

If Heyward suits up, Benton may see limited snaps while Heyward handles the heavy lifting, elevating the Jets’ interior challenge and stabilizing Pittsburgh’s run defense. If Heyward sits, Benton and Black become richer plays with expanded roles as the Jets test the middle and the Steelers lean on depth to contain interior runs and pressure the pocket.

Bottom line for fantasy: monitor Heyward’s health and status leading up to kickoff. His participation could cap Benton/Black upside, but an absence boosts both as moveable DL options with immediate upside in IDP formats and DFS contests.