Making sense of this Steelers offense is a difficult task. One of the NFL’s most erratic scoring attacks, there’s no telling what you’ll get from this group on a week to week basis. The ‘good’ version of Pittsburgh showed up on Sunday, scoring 34 points against the Colts. Wide receiver Germie Bernard played a major role during the win, snagging six catches from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Is this the start of a stellar season for the rookie, or was last weekend’s performance an outlier? Let’s break down Bernard’s fantasy football outlook heading into Week 6.
Should you pick up Germie Bernard in fantasy football?
As previously mentioned, the Steelers are a bit of a fantasy football enigma. This group is just as likely to score ten points as it is 30 points on any given week. With that being said, the AFC North contenders have done one thing consistently: throw the ball. Pittsburgh’s 186 pass attempts are tied for seventh-most in football through five weeks.
A more pass-oriented Steelers offense doesn’t come as a shock; head coach Mike McCarthy is comfortable airing it out. Despite his diminishing skillset, Rodgers remains capable of moving the chains. The veteran quarterback has thrown for 1,234 yards and ten touchdowns while coughing up four interceptions. Most notable, he’s averaging 8.0 intended air yards per pass attempt. That’s a clear increase in that category compared to last season (6.0 IAY/A).
DK Metcalf remains the undisputed number one in Pittsburgh’s passing game. However, that role is often a thankless job. The former Seahawks standout has recorded 40 yards or less in four of his five appearances so far. There’s added attention from defensive coordinators with offseason pickup Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) on injured reserve. As if that wasn’t bad enough for the Steelers, fellow wideouts Roman Wilson (finger) and Ben Skowronek (calf) have already been ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. Tampa Bay.
Given the current state of this wide receiver room, there’s a need for someone to step up alongside Metcalf. In Week 5, that was Bernard. The Alabama alum recorded six catches for 80 yards against Indianapolis, garnering a team-leading nine targets in the process. He logged 92% of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps during the contest as well; the next-closest receiver on the active roster was Brandon Smith (27%).
During Bernard’s college days in Tuscaloosa, he operated on the outside and in the slot. That versatility should allow McCarthy to line the 22-year-old up almost anywhere on the field. It helps that the Steelers will be facing a mediocre Tampa Bay secondary. The Buccaneers are allowing 6.8 yards per pass attempt, tied for 20th in the NFL. Pittsburgh doesn’t blow opponents out very often, especially on the road. There should be opportunities to throw the ball downfield throughout all four quarters.
Add Germie Bernard off the waiver wire this week in 12-team fantasy football leagues, with strong consideration for desperate managers in ten-team leagues. Given four NFL teams are on a bye week, the rookie could serve as a low-end flex in most starting lineups for Week 6. Use up between 5%-8% of your FAAB on the youngster, who has serious upside in this injury-depleted Steelers offense.
