Predicting Steelers starting lineup to start the 2020 NFL season
By Tommy Jaggi
Starting offense
Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger
No contest, obviously. Whether he’s fully healthy or not entering the season, Ben Roethlisberger will be that guy for the Steelers. Let’s hope that elbow holds up alright.
Running back: James Conner
While the Steelers are much more likely to use a committee approach this year than they have in years past, James Conner will still be there lead dog. As long as he’s healthy, he should lead the team in carries and total touches from the backfield.
Wide receiver (X): Diontae Johnson
The Steelers are going to use a mixture of receivers with an arsenal of capable weapons. Diontae Johnson is likely to see the field often in two wide receiver sets across from JuJu-Smith-Schuster, and he will almost always be on the field in 11 personnel doing the dirty work as the ‘X’ receiver.
Wide receiver (Slot/Z/X): JuJu Smith-Schuster
It’s hard to pigeonhole JuJu into just one slot, as he lines up all over the field – depending on which other receivers are out there. He is, however, primarily the slot receiver, as he took nearly 60 percent of his snaps from that position last year. I expect much of the same role in 2020.
Wide receiver (Z): James Washington
James Washington will resume his role as the ‘Z’ receiver for the Steelers in 11 personnel and should be able to earn quite a few snaps in two-receiver sets as well.