Fantasy
12/24/22
3 min read
Raiders vs. Steelers DFS Preview: Weather Dictating Offensive Plans
Both teams are still in the hunt for the playoffs but will need plenty of help to get in. The weather in this one is going to be extremely cold with a heavy amount of wind. The deep passes and field goal attempts will be tough to manage, and how good you are after the catch becomes the biggest factor.
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Vegas Line: Steelers -2
Over/Under: 41
Notable Injuries:
Raiders
IR: CB Anthony Averett, OL Justin Herron
OUT: CB Rock Ya-Sin
QUESTIONABLE: OT Alex Bars, OL Jackson Barton, DT Andrew Billings, LB Darien Butler, OL Dylan Parham, RB Zamir White
Steelers
IR: CB William Jackson III, SS Karl Joseph, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, DT Chris Wormley
QUESTIONABLE: LB Myles Jack, WR Diontae Johnson
Overall Thoughts
For the Raiders, Derek Carr has played poorly in previous bad weather games, but the Steelers have shown tendencies to put a lot of trust into their defensive backs in man situations. The pass rush of the Steelers will get after Carr, and that’s where Josh Jacobs will need to help slow that down. Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller returned from injury this past week and ran over 60% of the routes. Waller and Adams will be the ones operating as the primary targets, but if the pass rush becomes too much, Renfrow underneath will be a big safety blanket for Carr. I don’t see the secondary options for the Raiders playing a big role in this game.
The Steelers get Kenny Pickett back at quarterback and are favorites in this matchup. This will be a big game for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as the weather has dipped, and the Raiders gave up 206 rushing yards last week to the Patriots. Diontae Johnson will be the player to monitor, as he will be the most frequently targeted player against the Raiders' primary coverages. Pat Freiermuth will be second in line for targets, and I don’t anticipate a big game for George Pickens. The player that will help with quick plays is Steven Sims, who I expect will earn a few designed screens.
Multiplier Pool
- WR Davante Adams
- RB Josh Jacobs
- RB Najee Harris
- WR Diontae Johnson
FLEX Pool
- QB Derek Carr
- QB Kenny Pickett
- TE Darren Waller
- TE Pat Friermuth
- WR Hunter Renfrow
- RB Jaylen Warren
- D/ST Raiders
- D/ST Steelers
- K Daniel Carlson
- K Chris Boswell
- WR Steven Sims
WATCH MORE: Tony Dungy Remembers Franco Harris
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