Which Steelers to Start or Sit in Week 2 at Patriots

Sports admin September 20, 2026 0 Comments

Which Steelers to Start or Sit in Week 2 at Patriots

The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Foxborough for their first road game of the 2026 season after opening the year with a 20-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. While the Steelers’ defense delivered a strong performance, their offense showed some inconsistencies that could impact fantasy football manager decisions heading into Week 2.

With the Steelers facing the New England Patriots, there are several players worth considering for fantasy lineups and others who may be better left on the bench. From a tight end emerging as a key part of the offense to a young receiver still finding his footing, here are the Steelers to start or sit in Week 2:

START: Pat Freiermuth

If there’s an offensive weapon to start in Week 2, it’s Freiermuth. He led the team in receptions in Week 1 and caught its lone offensive touchdown. It was clear that he will be a core piece of this unit.

What makes things even more intriguing is how evenly split the tight end snaps were between Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Expect that trend to continue throughout the year.

SIT: Germie Bernard

Michael Pittman Jr. is out, and that will impact Bernard and Roman Wilson. However, keep in mind that Aaron Rodgers doesn’t typically sync up with rookie receivers very quickly. Bernard could become a late-season contributor as he develops within the offense.

For this week, though, regardless of Pittman’s status or whether he would have been limited Sunday, Bernard probably won’t produce enough to warrant a spot in most fantasy lineups.

START: Steelers D/ST

We told you to start the Steelers’ defense last week, and now we are telling you to do it again. Pittsburgh should generate some sacks and could force a couple of turnovers this week. The Patriots’ offensive line will face a tough battle against the Steelers’ pass rush.

Drake Maye has also shown a tendency to be a little reckless with the football early in his career, which is understandable for a young quarterback. That could create additional opportunities for Pittsburgh’s defense.

SIT: Rico Dowdle

Dowdle could put up decent numbers on Sunday if the Steelers suddenly figure out how to run the football. Until they prove they can consistently do that, though, Dowdle shouldn’t be expected to produce big fantasy numbers, even if he continues to serve as the team’s grinding running back.

Dowdle’s production will depend heavily on the Steelers’ offensive line. If the unit can create some running lanes, he could find some traction. Until that happens, however, fantasy managers should temper their expectations.

This story was originally published September 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM.