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Aaron Rodgers Impact On Steelers WRs DK Metcalf And Michael Pittman Jr.
In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Unest.
Aaron Rodgers never makes things easy, but all indications point to him officially re-signing with the Steelers in the near future.
And honestly? While I’m just as exhausted by the shenanigans as the Steelers front office, it’s much better than staring down the barrel of Will Howard and/or Drew Allar throwing balls to these WRs.
Rodgers is extremely unlikely to be relevant for fantasy on his own—he finished as the QB29 last year with a wimpy 13.3 points per game—but he certainly can support some fantasy production for his WRs … the question is just how many of them.
There are three intriguing names for us to consider:
DK Metcalf, the incumbent - This is a tricky one. Metcalf is cheaper than he’s ever been in drafts (WR37 right now on Underdog; Round 7), but his production cratered last year—33rd in TPRR (21.4%), 26th in target share (22%) and 25th in PPR PPG (12.1).
He now has to compete with a new target hog—more on him below—but maybe he can offset the volume hit with more efficiency and TDs?
Michael Pittman Jr., the new veteran addition - Pittman (WR49, Round 10) looks like a great fit with Rodgers, who averaged a league-low 6.0 intended air yards per pass attempt.
If that trend continues (and there’s no reason to think it won’t unless Rodgers found some magical stem cell treatment in the rainforest or something), that is clearly Pittman’s music as an underneath possession receiver and chain mover.
Germie Bernard, the rookie - The Round 2 pick (WR74; Round 16) should pretty easily earn the WR3 role. Dwain McFarland’s projection model has him at a 13% target share, which isn’t nothing.
The takeaway? All of these guys are on the radar as solid selections considering their palatable price tags, but I do find myself gravitating to the cheaper options. The rookie, in particular, looks like one of the more intriguing late-round selections you can make when you factor in his draft capital and clear runway to playing time.
Now we just need to pray Rodgers doesn’t rug us …
Bank on Drake Maye’s Rise to Stardom
For all the people who a year ago were calling Drake Maye a sleeper, who could have predicted a near-MVP season? After passing for 4,394 yards and 31 TDs, adding in 450 rushing yards and 4 scores, and finishing tied for fourth with 20.4 fantasy points per game, Maye has risen the ranks to superstar status. He’ll be 24, is projected for another big year and forward-thinking fantasy managers can see Maye as a QB they can count on for years to come.
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Around the Watercooler
Our merry band of football nerds is back and bringing you the latest news, content and memes from the NFL universe …
🥶 Jauan Jennings has a new home. Cold outside, but plenty warm indoors.
👀 Since Kyler Murray got another weapon. Time to rise him up the rankings.
🙌 K9 in Tier 3 RBs? Some good company.
🕶️ Blind tier Rankings for QBs. Where to put Bo Nix?
💪 I don’t fall for spring workout clips, but … I am excited for this back in fantasy.
😯 A super deep rookie WR sleeper? Some glowing praise from Ben Johnson.
🔮 Want to simulate the 2027 NFL Draft? Knock yourself out.
🏈 The Saints added more than one WR. Trey’s little brother has some juice.
RB Handcuff Rankings
And if you want to hear Ian talking about the RB Handcuff Tiers, let’s see what he thinks of Mike Washington and other rookies going into backup roles. And after listening, please remember to subscribe to this new channel.
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