Perhaps no single game opened more eyes in the fantasy world than Week 1’s clash between the Jets and the Steelers. Big names broke out, pecking orders looked different than we thought, and a lot of players on both sides now have very different perceptions going into Week 2. One such name is Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who put up a big game in Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh debut. Can Austin prove himself to be a viable WR2 option with Rodgers under center? Or was this Week 1 performance a flash in the pan?
Week 1 Breakdown
Austin ended the game with four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. The speedster managed to slip behind the entire Jets defense for a fourth-quarter score that was crucial in winning the game. Perhaps more impressive was his contested catch on the sidelines during a two-minute drill
If he can bring more consistency on tough catches down the sidelines and over the middle, that gives him a sizable floor. There’s value to fantasy receivers that are boom-or-bust, but ideally, you’d like to do without the bust.
The snap and target counts show considerable promise. Austin had an 80% snap share, trailing only behind star WR DK Metcalf in the receiver room. The next-highest usage rate was Ben Skowronek at 18%. OC Arthur Smith favors two-wideout looks heavily, placing an emphasis on running backs and tight ends. That makes capturing the WR2 spot in Pittsburgh’s offense essential to Calvin retaining value. With that snap share, it’s no surprise that he was tied for second on the team in total targets.
But can this lead to consistent fantasy production? That’s the question we have to ask.
The Verdict
Austin has the talent, and I believe in him as a player. However, the Arthur Smith of it all is difficult to get past. Smith does not have a long history of running productive NFL offenses, and he tends to rely heavily on the run until the wheels come off. This was also a wide-open, free-flowing game you won’t often find in any Steelers matchup.
Austin sure did get a boost as a potential flex play, especially in standard or half-PPR formats where big-play threats carry more weight. But don’t go benching your proven talents for him just yet.
