The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers went through three quarterbacks in the 2023 season. We saw Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and finally Mason Rudolph. And yet, it didn’t impact their ability to grind out wins. The team finished 9-8 and qualified for the playoffs. But after another disappointing Wild Card exit, it was time for changes. All three quarterbacks are gone, and a new set of passers is in for new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. Can it make the difference for the Steelers? Let’s dive in and preview their season.

Off-Season Changes

As mentioned, quarterback was a revolving door this off-season. Pickett was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, while Trubisky returned to the Bills, and Rudolph signed with the Tennessee Titans. That left the Steelers to re-make their quarterback room. First, the team brought in veteran Russell Wilson, who was released after two seasons with the Broncos. He signed a one-year deal. Next, the Steelers traded for former First-Round pick Justin Fields. The Steelers declined his fifth-year option, so Fields is also on the final year of a deal.

The Steelers also saw some changes at receiver. Veteran Diontae Johnson was traded to the Carolina Panthers, while Allen Robinson left for the Giants in free agency. In the draft, the Steelers snagged receiver Roman Wilson, who played with the Michigan Wolverines in 2023. He caught 107 passes for 1,707 yards and 20 touchdowns with Michigan. The Steelers used early picks to beef up the offensive line, grabbing tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier.

Elsewhere this off-season the Steelers grabbed veteran receivers Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and Quez Watkins, while adding veteran Cordarrelle Patterson to the backfield. The team brought in linebacker Patrick Queen and brought back cornerback Cam Sutton, who will be suspended to start the season.

Fantasy Prospects

The first competition is at quarterback. Wilson was QB14 for the Broncos while Fields was QB18 for the Bears. And yet, both players frustrated fans and coaches with their former teams. Now, each is looking for a fresh start. The competition in camp will likely decide things but Wilson is listed as the starter for the time being. I think both will play during the season and I don’t see either having a great fantasy season. I like Fields a touch better, but I have both in the QB3 range.

In the backfield, the Steelers return a great pair in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. That’s good news for Smith, who likes to run in his offensive scheme. It’s also good news for these backs, especially since the Steelers worked on improving the offensive line. They finished back-to-back in 2023, with Warren at RB22 and Harris at RB23. I think they’ll be relatively close again this year with both again finishing in the low-end RB2 range.

In the passing game, George Pickens is the best receiver on the team. Stepping up when Johnson was injured in 2023, he finished as WR29. He’s still the show, but that hasn’t always meant good things in a Smith-led offense. Drake London was just WR37 in 2023 in Atlanta under Smith. I think Pickens is similarly a top-end WR3. I like Roman Wilson in dynasty, but I’m not trusting him in re-draft in 2024. At tight end, Pat Freiermuth figures to lead a crowded room. He’s a solid player and I like him as a TE2.

Prediction

The Steelers aren’t a flashy team but that seems to befit the style of their coach. Still, Mike Tomlin has yet to have a team finish below .500. It’s possible that happens in 2024, but I’m not betting on it. I think this team is good enough to win nine games again, but I’m not sure that gets them into the playoffs in 2024.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.