The Pittsburgh Steelers have started the season 2-0, which most people would have bet against if given the chance. Great defense and a strong run game are at the core of their team identity.
This year, Mike Tomlin brought in Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator. Smith loves the run game and has created a three-headed trio to help elevate the Steelers’ offense. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Cordarrelle Patterson are three different styles of running backs, but the goal is evident in Pittsburgh: run it down their opponent’s throats.
With the Steelers running backs sharing time, we must decide who is the correct start for our fantasy football team in Week 3. Let’s break down the key insights that will guide you to the correct start from Pittsburgh.
Should You Start Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, or Cordarrelle Patterson in Week 3?
In Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say Harris is the player to start. Harris is slated for 11.1 total fantasy points with 50.1 rushing yards and 13.3 receiving yards. His total ranks above Warren or Patterson, as neither player can match his rushing or receiving total. Harris is projected to score three more points than the next player (Warren) while outscoring Patterson by 6.5 points.
However, my rankings believe that Warren’s skillset can help him surpass his projections and lead the Steelers’ backfield in Week 3.
Harris’ Fantasy Outlook This Week
Harris has been the work-horse back in Pittsburgh, receiving 37 rushing attempts this season. His 37 rushing attempts rank sixth overall on TruMedia, which labels him as one of the best options in fantasy football for running backs since volume is king in the running back position.
The Steelers face a challenging opponent in the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams like to run and play strong defense, which leads to the clock ticking and fewer total plays. Harris is still an RB2 for fantasy due to his volume, but we should lower our expectations with his totals in Week 3.
I love this jump cut from Najee Harris. He has definitely looked quicker after losing weight during the offseason. pic.twitter.com/Hq2xZk1QhR
— Billy Hartford (@CamHeywardFan) September 18, 2024
Warren’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
Although Warren has been a fantasy darling all offseason, he has struggled out the gate this season to get time on the field. Warren has only seen 11 rushing attempts with only four targets. The slow start could be attached to the injury he sustained during training camp, but even with it hampering his success, he is still the most explosive running back on the Steelers. His 3.09 yards after contact per rush have led the team in 2024.
The one area the Chargers’ defense struggles in is against pass-catching running backs. Opponents have thrown the fourth-most targets to their running backs this season, and the Chargers have allowed the fourth-most receptions to running backs. The Steelers should be able to take advantage of this mismatch and lean on Warren to move the offense down the field in Week 3.
Patterson’s Fantasy Outlook This Week
Patterson should be an afterthought for your fantasy football lineups. You would need Harris or Warren (or both) to miss time before he becomes useful for the Steelers’ offense. He is a depth piece who enters the game sparingly, as he has only received six total rushing attempts. If Harris is an RB2 and Warren is a Flex play, Patterson should remain on your bench or, better yet, on the waiver wire.