Pittsburgh Steelers: PPG 19.1 Sacks 47 Tied for 11th

The 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers finished with a top den defense, despite injuries at every level. They have one of the best defenses it seems every year since the 70s. Perhaps it is partially because there have only been three coaches since the 70s… and all three have been to multiple Super Bowls. 

Their defense held their season together and is responsible for their ten wins and playoff appearance. Despite excellent defensive play and better than average special teams, their offense was lacking. Specifically the quarterback position, as the hometown kid, Kenny Pickett, could not deliver on his first round expectations. 

2024 Expectations: 9th

They have a core of players returning including the IDPs that will be mentioned later. They have the longest tenured coach in the NFL, Mike Tomlin, and he has never had a losing season. That is 17 non-losing seasons, the third longest streak in NFL history. 

They are in a tough division that should only be better… despite having three teams in the playoffs last year. The Steelers have their best quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger, and not just Russell Wilson but Justin Fields too. 

This should help the defense with a better distribution of time. However the Steelers are set with several superstars on their defense. Including the best defensive player of this decade… TJ Watt.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

LB TJ Watt

DB MInkah Fitzpatrick
DL Cameron Heyward

For those of you sleeping under a rock the past five years, TJ Watt is the man. The consensus IDP numero uno for almost all formats. He is the man, el jefe, the best of best, and a former Defensive Player of the Year. 

He has led the league in sacks in three of the last four years, and forced fumbles in a year prior to those. He could, and several feel he should have 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards. Alex Highsmith is a wonderful sack artist on the opposite side, but none really compare to TJ Watt. 

If you want him you will have to pay up for him, as he’s usually the first IDP off the board, but will reward you with huge games.

Minkah Fitzpatrick has been an excellent safety since joining the NFL and that should continue again this season. The five time first-team All Pro has a hall of fame resume already, but he has never experienced a playoff victory.

That could change with another solid regular season, anchored by one of the best defenses in the league.Fitzpatrick does not get drafted as early as he should. The amount of five time first-team All Pro safeties is a very short list… and Fitzpatrick is still in his prime. Grab him once the top ten IDPs are off the board and have a plug and play safety all year.

Cameron Heyward is a thirteen year vet that still is a force on the defensive line. The former Ohio St. Buckeye has come back for another year, and by doing so helps every other Steelers defender. The four time All-pro is also good at generating points himself.

In his previous two full seasons he recorded double-digit sack totals, and with defenses predominantly focused on Watt and Highsmith, Hewyard can attack one-on-one battles in the interior. He may not be worth a draft spot, but pay attention to matchups with weak offensive centers and guards. He could have a massive day. 

Tomorrow the New Orleans Saints.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy