The AFC North is never short on drama, and this matchup has major playoff implications with the Bengals and Steelers. The Bengals aren’t out of the race yet, and veteran Joe Flacco has shockingly fallen into the perfect situation: reviving the passing game, unlocking Ja’Marr Chase, and keeping Cincinnati alive. Meanwhile, the Steelers have been one of the most polarizing fantasy teams in 2024, featuring unpredictable usage and streaky production.
But one thing looks certain this week:
👉 This should be a high-scoring affair.
Both offenses have plus matchups, both quarterbacks have favorable conditions, and both defenses are liabilities against explosive plays.
📊 Quick Start Table
| Player | Team | Start/Sit | Rating | Notes |
| Joe Flacco (QB) | CIN | Start | ⭐ | Multiple TD upside; keeps WRs fed |
| Ja’Marr Chase (WR) | CIN | Start | ⭐ | 100+ yd potential vs PIT DBs |
| Tee Higgins (WR) | CIN | Start | 👍 | Reliable 5–6 catches + TD shot |
| Chase Brown (RB) | CIN | Flex | 💪 | Tough run matchup but valuable in space |
| Noah Fant (TE) | CIN | Start | 👍 | 5–6 catches, 60+ yards possible |
| Andrei Iosivas (WR) | CIN | Sleeper | 💪 | TD threat as WR3 |
| Aaron Rodgers (QB) | PIT | Start | ⭐ | Bengals allow heavy QB production |
| Jaylen Warren (RB) | PIT | Start | 👍 | 3 straight good weeks; TD in play |
| DK Metcalf (WR) | PIT | Start | ⭐ | Needs early rhythm; should score |
| Roman Wilson (WR) | PIT | Flex | 💪 | Emerging WR2; 2 TDs in 3 weeks |
| Pat Freiermuth (TE) | PIT | Sleeper | 💪 | Red-zone sneaky; 3–4 grabs + TD upside |
🟠 CINCINNATI BENGALS — Start ’Em
START: Joe Flacco – QB
Flacco has stepped into this offense like he never left Baltimore. He’s distributing the ball beautifully, hitting intermediate windows, and most importantly, getting both Chase and Higgins over 100 yards. Expect multiple TDs and high volume in what should be a shootout.
START: Ja’Marr Chase – WR
Chase should torch Pittsburgh’s corners. He’s in a rhythm, he’s getting deep opportunities again, and Flacco trusts him. Pencil him in for a score and 100+ yards.
START: Tee Higgins – WR
Higgins continues to prove he deserves his big contract. His red-zone chemistry with Flacco is legit. Expect 5–6 grabs and a TD shot.
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FLEX: Chase Brown – RB
💪 Brown shows great burst and is becoming a necessary safety valve. The Steelers are very stout vs the traditional run, but Brown’s passing-game work keeps him in FLEX territory.
Noah Fant and Theo Johnson Top Week 9 Waiver Wire Tight End Pickups – Chris Wassel via SI.com
START: Noah Fant – TE
💪 Flacco utilizes tight ends well, and Fant finally has a QB who can take advantage of his athleticism. Expect 5–6 catches and 60+ yards.
SLEEPER: Andrei Iosivas – WR
A deep-league bomb, but a good one. Iosivas works great as the WR3 and consistently finds soft spots. Red-zone threat with sneaky TD upside.
🔥 PITTSBURGH STEELERS — Start ’Em
START: Aaron Rodgers – QB
The Bengals defense bleeds fantasy points to QBs, especially on layered route concepts. Rodgers should have cleaner pockets this week and time to deliver. He’s a strong QB1 play.
START: Jaylen Warren – RB
Three straight weeks of quality production and clear explosiveness. In a high-scoring game, Warren should get ample touches and a real shot at a score.
START: DK Metcalf – WR
Metcalf needing early involvement is absolutely true—when he’s hot early, he stays dominant. Expect 5–6 catches and a TD in a plus matchup.
FLEX: Roman Wilson – WR
💪 Rodgers needs a true WR2, and Wilson has stepped forward with two TDs in the last three weeks. He makes the most of his targets and is gaining Rodgers’ trust.
SLEEPER: Pat Freiermuth – TE
💪 Quiet player, but sneaky around the goal line. In a projected shootout, he’s worth streaming for 3–4 grabs and a score chance.
