Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Football Preview: Jaylen Warren

There’s a new offensive “mastermind” in town for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his name is Arthur Smith! Fantasy football fans, brace yourselves because this could mean big things for Jaylen Warren. Picture this: an undrafted running back turned fantasy football darling. Sounds like a Hollywood script, right? Well, it’s happening right before our eyes, and it’s set to unfold in Pittsburgh’s revamped offense, even with Najee Harris in the mix.

Jaylen Warren 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Arthur Smith’s Offensive Philosophy

Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme is like a golden ticket for running backs. Remember how Derrick Henry bulldozed his way through defenses in Tennessee? Yeah, you can thank Smith for that. He didn’t do too bad with Atlanta, and adding a mix of Cordarrelle Patterson (who’s now with the Steelers AND wearing AB’s number, btw), this Steelers running game can be very potent. Smith’s playbook is all about pounding the rock and making defenses sweat. Steelers fans might have Najee Harris as their main man, but don’t worry, Jaylen Warren is ready to step up and carve out his own role.

Smith’s offense thrives on a zone-blocking system. Think of it as a dance, where the running back must have vision, patience, and impeccable timing. Jaylen Warren, standing at a mighty 5’8″ and weighing in at 215 pounds, is the perfect partner for this dance. With a low center of gravity and the ability to change direction on a dime, he’s set to waltz his way to fantasy relevance, even in a backfield shared with Harris.

Jaylen Warren’s Skill Set

Jaylen Warren burst onto the scene with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022, and let’s just say he didn’t disappoint in his second season. Picture this: an undrafted second-year rookie with a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove. Warren ran for 784 yards on 149 carries, averaging a solid 5.3 yards per attempt, and found the end zone 4 times. Not too shabby for a guy nobody saw coming, right?

And let’s not forget his hands. With 61 receptions for 370 yards, Warren proved he’s not just a one-trick pony. He’s got versatility written all over him, making him a perfect fit for Arthur Smith’s offense. Warren does have some memorable drops, but his third year should prove more stable.

Fantasy Football Implications

1. Increased Workload: Arthur Smith’s offense is a running back’s dream come true. While Najee Harris will undoubtedly be the lead back, Smith’s scheme can support multiple productive backs. If Warren can grab a significant chunk of the carries, fantasy managers should be drooling at the potential. We’re talking about a possible RB2 or flex option here, folks!
2. Red Zone Opportunities: Smith’s teams love to score in the red zone. Remember those days when the Titans were unstoppable near the goal line? (Notice I’m skipping over the Falcons) Jaylen Warren could be the guy punching it in for the Steelers, especially if Harris needs a breather. Touchdowns, anyone?
3. Pass-Catching Potential: In PPR leagues, Warren’s value skyrockets, thanks to his pass-catching skills. Smith isn’t shy about using running backs in the passing game, and Warren’s reliable hands make him a third-down threat. More catches mean more points, and who doesn’t love that?
4. Complementary Role: With Najee Harris attracting most of the defensive attention, Warren could find himself in favorable situations. His ability to make the most of his opportunities could translate to significant fantasy points, especially in games where the Steelers rely heavily on their running game.
5. Comparative Value: Here’s where it gets fun. Warren is flying under the radar in most fantasy drafts. This means you can snag him late and laugh your way to the playoffs when he turns into a breakout star. Who doesn’t love a good bargain?

Statistical Outlook

Let’s play the projection game. If Warren secures a significant role, we could be looking at around 150 carries for 900 yards and six touchdowns. Throw in another 35 receptions for 400 yards and two receiving touchdowns, and you’ve got yourself a fantasy gem. Not bad for a guy who’s probably sitting in the later rounds of your draft, right?

Jaylen Warren’s fantasy relevance in Arthur Smith’s new offensive scheme is like finding a hidden treasure. His skill set is a perfect match for Smith’s run-heavy, zone-blocking offense, and his versatility as a pass-catcher adds even more value. Fantasy managers looking for a sleeper pick with serious upside should circle Warren’s name in their drafts. With more carries, red zone opportunities, and pass-catching potential, Warren could be the breakout star of the 2024 fantasy football season.

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A Look Inside the Pittsburgh Steelers

Editor’s Note: While Adam focused on Jaylen Warren in fantasy football, we don’t want to leave you hanging on the rest of the team. Here is a quick look at the other fantasy-relevant Steelers from Ryan Weisse.

Russell Wilson / Justin Fields

If you have two QBs, you don’t have a QB. In Pittsburgh’s case, that might not be true. Wilson hasn’t been great the last few years, but he’s still better than Kenny Pickett. Fields might be better than both of them, but he might have to sit 6-9 weeks before the Steelers decide to see what they have. Both of these guys will be free agents in 2025, so Pittsburgh will play both to see who they should bring back. You’re touching either in a 1-QB league, but both have sneaky value as a 3rd QB in Superflex.

Najee Harris

Harris looked like a better runner last year than he has in his career, but his receiving work continues to dwindle. He still managed an RB23 finish, but his upside is severely capped by Jaylen Warren.

George Pickens

Pickens has been making highlight-reel catches as the 2nd option in this offense, but with Diontae Johnson now in Carolina, the WR1 spot is all his. There is a boom-or-bust aspect to his game, but also very little competition for targets. He could end up with enough volume to overcome the inconsistency.

Roman Wilson

The WR corps behind Pickens is a cold, desolate place. There is no reason the rookie can’t take over the WR2 job right away. He has a great skillset to complement Pickens’ big play ability, but targets could be an issue in a low-volume passing attack.

Pat Freiermuth

A lot of people want to believe in Pat Freiermuth this season. I’d point those people to Kyle Pitts. If Pitts couldn’t get it done with Arthur Smith, do we want to bet on Freiermuth? No, thank you.