After a QB competition that didn’t inspire much confidence in either direction, the Steelers will go with Russell Wilson as their starter for Week 1 over Justin Fields, according to Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Wilson started each of the Steelers’ last two preseason games, going 10-for-12 for 73 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. Wilson signed a huge five-year deal with the Broncos, but things unraveled after only two seasons in Denver. He was cut this offseason. He landed with the Steelers on a one-year deal worth just over $1.2 million. The Steelers also added Fields this offseason, and Wilson will have to play well to keep the job long-term, since the 25-year-old Fields likely has more long-term upside than the 35-year-old veteran.
Wilson has a salary of just $5,400 in Week 1 DFS contests, including the $4M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st]. He will take on the re-vamped Falcons’ defense that allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to QBs last season. Wilson does have some good pass-catchers at his disposal in this matchup and has shown a strong connection with his new WR1 George Pickens ($5,700).
The Steelers are +3 in that road matchup with the Falcons, which has an over/under of 40.5. For the season, the Steelers are +185 to make the playoffs with an over/under of 8.5 wins with the under at -145.
If you’re ready to ride with Russ, he’s +180 to throw for 3,500+ yards. He fell short of that mark last year with 3,070 yards but had over 3,500 yards in his first year in Denver and in five of his last seven years in Seattle. If he is able to hold onto the job and stay healthy, that mark should be attainable for him this year. Last year, the Steelers’ QB carousel of Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Mitchell Trubisky combined for 3,421 yards. If you really think Russ is going to cook, you can even pick him as Comeback Player of the Year at +4000.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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