We’re less than a week away from kickoff, and the anticipation around the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season opener is reaching a fever pitch.
Mike Tomlin and his revamped roster are gearing up for a Week 1 showdown against rookie head coach Aaron Glenn and quarterback Justin Fields, who’s facing Pittsburgh with plenty to prove. But while the headlines are full of veteran storylines and big-name additions, fantasy football managers are keeping a close eye on one name in particular: Kaleb Johnson.
The rookie running back out of Iowa has been making noise since April, and now he’s poised to break out in Week 1 — both on the field and in fantasy box scores.
Selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson came to Pittsburgh with a stacked résumé. His All-American collegiate career was capped off by a monster 2024 season that saw him rack up 1,725 total yards and 24 touchdowns. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed — and it certainly didn’t slip past Steelers GM Omar Khan or offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
While many rookies tend to start slow in the NFL, Kaleb Johnson might not have that luxury — or limitation. With Pittsburgh expected to lean heavily on the ground game to start the season and establish offensive rhythm, Johnson’s number could be called early and often.
And fantasy managers who took a late-round swing on him could be rewarded in a big way.
Fantasy football managers will benefit from starting Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson
He’s got the tools: a powerful, physical running style that doesn’t shy away from contact, plus the burst and vision to make defenders miss in space.
He’s also a capable pass-catcher — something that could make him even more valuable in PPR formats. Against a New York Jets defense that’s still figuring out its identity, Johnson’s versatility could be the difference-maker.
Let’s not forget: the Steelers have a history of featuring workhorse backs when the talent is there. And while the team still has Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell in the backfield, Johnson’s upside is impossible to ignore. If the coaching staff trusts him — and the early reports from training camp and preseason suggest they do — he could very well find the end zone in his NFL debut.
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In fact, I’d expect it.
There’s something about Kaleb Johnson’s demeanor — a quiet confidence and relentless work ethic — that makes you believe he’s not just ready for the moment, he’s hungry for it. And what better way to make a statement than in front of a packed MetLife Stadium in Week 1?
Fantasy football is all about finding value where others don’t see it yet. And if you managed to grab Kaleb Johnson late in your draft, you might just have a hidden gem on your hands.
It’s still early, but the stars are aligning for Johnson to make a splash — not just for the Steelers, but for fantasy lineups across the country. Week 1 could be the start of something special.