Fantasy

12/24/22

3 min read

Raiders vs. Steelers DFS Preview: Weather Dictating Offensive Plans

By Jordan Vanek

DFS Raiders vs. Steelers
Dec 18, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) with the ball in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

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

Tags: Darren Waller, Davante Adams, Derek Carr See More

Jordan Vanek

Jordan has been playing DFS since 2016 and started writing content at the end of 2020. While playing DFS, he has managed multiple top 10 finishes in NFL, college football, baseball, basketball and NASCAR.

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