George Pickens

With Justin Fields starting, Pickens was the only Steelers wideout to catch more than one pass against the Falcons. His first catch for a loss of yardage and his sole rush also led to a loss of 10 yards, but Pickens was also the primary downfield target in Arthur Smith's offense. Expect similar usage next week and pencil Pickens in as a WR3 against the Broncos for Week 2.

Steelers WR George Pickens caught 6 of his 7 targets for 85 yards from QB Justin Fields in Week 1 against the Falcons. Though the Steelers did not score a TD in the game, Pickens was a heavy part of the passing game.

Fields led the Steelers offense in Russell Wilson's absence in what was a mediocre effort for Arthur Smith's revenge game. The Steelers kicked six field goals to win the game, but Fields averaged less than 10 yards per completion. He nearly lost a fumble during the game and had several designed runs out of the backfield, targeting George Pickens as his primary receiver. Moving forward, expect to see some of the same out of the Steelers' offense. If Fields continues to start, his rushing ability makes him a fantasy QB2.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported earlier that a new deal could soon be in place for Freiermuth, who is now under contract through the 2028 season. The fourth-year tight end hopes to rebound from an underwhelming 2023 campaign in which he caught 32 passes for 308 yards and two touchdowns and could have a chance to with less competition for targets heading into this season. Target hog Diontae Johnson is now in Carolina, leaving George Pickens as the primary target earner for the Steelers, while Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin scrap for what's left. It wouldn't be surprising if Freiermuth, who went for 63-732-2 in 2022, finished with the second-most targets this season for the Steelers, who are expected to be a run-heavy team under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Wilson only played the first series, and while his first completion was for negative six yards to George Pickens, Wilson's next throw was a beautiful 31-yarder down the sideline to Pickens that helped set up a touchdown. That would be it for the 35-year-old signal-caller before giving way to Justin Fields, and it appears that this quarterback battle is over. It'd be a major upset if Wilson wasn't under center for the opener against the Falcons.