The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing their QB cards very close and with Russell Wilson nursing a calf issue, Justin Fields is ‘ready to play’ in Atlanta on Sunday. Fields is a huge prospect in NFL fantasy due to his ability in the running game and penchant for big plays.
If Fields gets the nod, he should be started by fantasy managers, and according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, that is becoming a reality. Russini wrote on Saturday:
“The veteran quarterback, who won the starting job in Pittsburgh, is expected to miss the season opener in Atlanta; Justin Fields would step in.”
While nothing is official just yet, the players themselves were asked about the situation and their answers were interesting, albeit not hugely revealing.
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields discuss QB1 role for Week 1 in Atlanta
Russell Wilson spoke to reporters on Friday about being limited in practice (via the Tribune-Review):
““I just felt a little tight (on Thursday),. I wanted to be smart about it. Obviously, we play the game on Sunday, I’m hoping I get to be in it. Just trying to try and get ready to go.
“I’m trying to get my body ready to go and rock and roll. So, we’re doing everything we can.”
Justin Fields also discussed his preparations:
“I have the same process every week,” said Fields. “I learned my rookie year how fast things can change.
“I remember my third game rookie season, Andy Dalton, he was just running out of bounds, it looked like a normal play, and he tweaked his knee and right then and there I was in. I always prepare like I’m a starter and you never know what can happen.“
While Fields arrived in Pittsburgh with something of a tarnished reputation after a mixed bag in Chicago, if he does start and impress in Week 1, the starter role could be up for grabs. Fields sounded like he was as ready as can be when talking to reporters:
“Me talking to the guys in the huddle, getting reps with GP (George Pickens), Van (Jefferson), Calvin (Austin), Scotty (Miller) and those guys,” said Fields. “The coaches, they do a great job of rotating. You’re pretty much going to get reps with all the players on offense. We all feel very comfortable with each other, playing with each other.”
Russell Wilson & Justin Fields’ Fantasy Outlooks for Week 1
While the signs are pointing to Justin Fields starting on Sunday, nothing is confirmed just yet. This is obviously not ideal for fantasy managers, but if Russell Wilson does get the nod, a calf concern means he should be kept on your bench. Given he was a late-round pickup in most leagues, this is no real issue for the majority of teams.
Wilson is projected 12.97 points, but this is mostly due to the uncertainty. If he does start, a solid expectation would be slightly below his averages in Denver due to the injury concern and it being a debut game.
Wilson averaged 17.7 ppg in 2023, with a ceiling of 26.9 and a floor of 8.9, so 15 points seems reasonable.
However, if Fields gets the nod, he represents a higher ceiling and a lower floor. Fields averaged 18.4 ppg in Chicago in 2023, with a ceiling of 28.9 and a floor of 11.6 (Week 6’s 5.9 was incomplete due to injury).
Given this is an opportunity to stake a claim for himself and potentially revamp his career prospects, if Fields plays, expect him to do whatever it takes. As a rushing QB, Fields could go very big, and 20 points seems a fair expectation here.