The Steelers haven’t had the most productive fantasy players in 2021, but that could change in Week 9.
Monday Night Football is reserved for Steelers football. Mike Tomlin has continued to show why he is the best coach in the National Football League. After a 1-3 start, Pittsburgh has rightened the ship. Matt Nagy and the Chicago Bears are hungry for a win and are determined to show their strength. Both teams will rely on their playmakers to carry them to the finish line. This may be the perfect week for some fantasy owners who have Steelers rostered.
Steelers Najee Harris will exploit Bears run defense
Heinz Field’s primetime lights will be in full effect during Monday night’s events. Winning will be a high priority for both ball clubs. Feeding Najee Harris is a decision that will work in Pittsburgh’s favor. His performances against the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and Cleveland Browns have cemented his role in the Steelers’ offense.
Soaring for 6️⃣@ohthatsNajee22 | #TDTuesday | #CHIvsPIT: Monday at 8:15 pm on ESPN pic.twitter.com/CCNNHLr21c
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 2, 2021
Matt Canada has kept his rookie running back busy. When Harris has twenty or more carries in a game, the Steelers win. According to ESPN.com, Harris’ 128 carries is the fourth most among running backs.
Chicago has seen its fair share of the run game this season. When compared to other franchises, the Bears are a team that struggles to stop the ground game. Teams have rushed 1,000 yards combined against Sean Desai’s defense. Harris and Canada plan to add to the total.
Steelers offense will benefit from play-action passes
Sticking with the winning formula would be the best decision for the Steelers this week. Pat Freiermuth will benefit from Chicago’s desire to stop the run. Ben Roethlisberger has excelled in the play-action passing game throughout his career. Pittsburgh’s rookie tight end has proven that he can perform in pressured situations. His game-clinching touchdown reception against the Cleveland Browns earned the trust of the players in the locker room.
🗣 MUUUUUUUUUUTH@pat_fry5 | #TDTuesday | #CHIvsPIT: Monday at 8:15 pm on ESPN pic.twitter.com/dW4qzmlBng
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 2, 2021
Monday night will be another opportunity for Freiermuth to move up on the depth chart. His performances of late have made fans forget about veteran Eric Ebron and Roethlisberger has adjusted to the change well so far. Fantasy owners have seen an increase in Pat Freiermuth’s targets giving them a reason to start him more often.
Justin Fields is Not Prepared For Pittsburgh’s Defense
Keith Butler and the Steelers will make it their mission to make Justin Fields uncomfortable. Chicago has seen their rookie quarterback make his fair share of mistakes under pressure this season. Justin Fields’ seven interceptions have helped opposing defenses create scoring opportunities for their offenses. Pittsburgh’s defense will not rest until they disrupt Chicago’s padawan.
T.J Watt has made a name for himself since joining the Steelers in 2017. According to ESPN.com, Watt’s 8.5 sacks is tied for second-best this season. His presence alone can affect the composure of a quarterback.
With his 1.5 sacks against the Browns, @_TJWatt passed LaMarr Woodley for eighth-most career sacks in #SteelersHistory. pic.twitter.com/J2AqLlUrj5
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 1, 2021
Cameron Hayward will have more of a role in this matchup. Chicago is ranked second in the league in rushing the football. Khalil Herbert has taken on the responsibility of earning yards on the ground for Bill Lazor’s offense. His 351 yards rushing is the most on the team.
Tuesday morning should be great for fans who follow the Steelers, assuming the team handles business. Mike Tomlin and his staff understand the dynamics of momentum in the NFL. Pittsburgh’s will to win should reflect in its Fantasy communities win column.