T.J. Watt lands at No. 11 in the NFL Top 100, the highest-rated linebacker on the list and the seventh straight year he’s appeared. His three-year, $123 million extension makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback, a statement of his impact both on the field and in fantasy leagues. Watt’s production—consistently elite pass rush and game-changing plays—anchors the Steelers and keeps his fantasy floor exceptionally high.

UW alums Zack Baun and Andrew Van Ginkel also crack the Top 100 (No. 26 and No. 88), underscoring Wisconsin’s pro pipeline. Watt sits among Steelers stars Patrick Queen and Cameron Heyward on the team’s list representation. Across the Top 100, Fred Warner, Roquan Smith, and Jonathan Greenard are noted among the top linebackers and edge rushers in the league, with Nick Bonitto also highlighted among top non-QB contracts and performers. Watt’s 2024 stat line and the 100-sack club milestone reinforce why fantasy managers should treat Watt as a premium, weekly difference-maker even in years when position value fluctuates.

Watt’s season opener vs. the Jets on Sept. 7 will be the first test of a year in which he aims to captain another Steelers winning season. Watt’s continued dominance should keep him among the most reliable DL/IDP assets, with sack upside and multisack games likely to be a steady source of big-scoring weeks for fantasy rosters.