The eighth week of the NFL season comes to a close tonight in Pittsburgh. It’s the second straight Prime-Time game for the Steelers, and a second game with Russell Wilson at the helm. Meanwhile the Giants are just looking to get back on track. I’ll have a full preview below, but first I’m taking stock of my biggest surprises of the season so far.

Biggest Coaching Surprise

This one is easy, and at the same time surprising. I think Vance Joseph is the Assistant Coach of the Year so far. What he’s done with the Denver Broncos’ defense has been incredible. Even more impressive, he’s doing it without star power. It’s a massive turnaround from a team and coach who appeared to be at their lowest after a few weeks of 2023. I campaigned for Joseph to get fired last year. Now, I’m grateful every day he’s coaching for my favorite team.

Most Surprising Team

The Washington Commanders haven’t had a lot of success in recent years. This year they started over with a new coach, a new quarterback, and a new lease on life. So far, that’s worked great. Entering Week 8, the Commanders had five wins and sat in first place in the NFC East. They also look like a legitimate playoff contender heading toward the mid-point in the season, while Jayden Daniels looks like the potential Rookie of the Year. It’s been one of the most fun surprises of the year.

Most Disappointing Team

It’s gotta be the New York Jets. Sure, they got a win this week—their second against the Patriots this year. That only got them to 3-5. The Jets were a team some picked to be in the Super Bowl. Now, they have to have an amazing second half of the season just to be in the playoff race. And it’s been a flat performance despite having a wealth of talent that is still healthy. Aaron Rodgers has led the Jets to a worse record than even Zach Wilson did last year. It’s an epic failure for a team with plenty of pressure to win now.

Now, on to Monday Night Football.

New York Giants (2-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

The Giants haven’t had a good run, and Daniel Jones has been inconsistent at best. He got the hook last week and will likely be on a short leash moving forward. The Steelers, meanwhile, went 4-2 with Justin Fields under center and yet turned things over to Russell Wilson in Week 7. Wilson finished as QB3 for the week and the Steelers pummeled the Jets. Now, they get the Giants at home.

For the Giants, Malik Nabers is a start. He’s got WR1 upside. I also like Wan’Dale Robinson as a flex option. In the backfield, Tyrone Tracey, Jr., and Devin Singletary are splitting the load, but I don’t trust either in this matchup. I also have Daniel Jones as a QB3 with all 32 teams in action.

For the Steelers, Wilson is a QB2. In Superflex, I’m firing him up. I also like George Pickens as a WR3 and Najee Harris as an RB2. I have Pat Freiermuth as a TE2. Among the rest of the Steelers, Jaylen Warren is a deep league flex consideration. I don’t have enough faith in any other pass catchers.

I’m taking the Steelers in this one.

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.