The benching of Justin Fields for Russell Wilson was a huge topic of debate heading into the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game against the New York Jets last week. Wilson looked a little wobbly to begin with but when he settled in, the Steelers offense looked a class above anything we have seen since Ben Roethlisberger retired.
Pittsburgh came away with a resounding 37-15 win, which was the most they had scored in a game since losing 41-37 to the LA Chargers in November 2021. In fantasy terms, points mean prizes and Wilson recorded 24.86 points from his 264 passing yards, 2 TDs and 1 rushing TD.
For fantasy managers of teams in a QB crisis, Russell Wilson is a very good start in Week 8 against the New York Giants, and he could become a season-defining pickup. Let’s get into why.
What numbers to expect from Russell Wilson vs. the Giants?
Russell Wilson looks to be a very solid start in Week 8 versus a Giants team coming off a painful 28-3 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Steelers come into the game expected to dominate time of possession, and apart from the Giants’ allowing a lot of points in 2024 (149 in 7 games [21.28 ppg]), they are not forcing many turnovers either (1 INT, 5 fumbles).
If the Steelers’ offensive line can give Wilson some time against the NFL’s best defense in terms of sacks (31.0), we could see further improvements in the passing game. While Pittsburgh will run the ball often, this should help their receivers find better looks. A 300-yard passing game feels very plausible, which has been quite elusive for the Steelers in recent years.
Russell Wilson’s points range: 10-26; Prediction: 18.5
Also read: Fantasy Football Week 8 Defense Rankings & Streamers ft. Chargers, Lions & Falcons