The Los Angeles Chargers are starting off hot this season 2-0 and J.K. Dobbins is leading the way in rushing and scoring for the Chargers. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 2-0 but not with QB Russell Wilson who they had every intention of starting over QB Justin Fields at the start of the season. However, under the circumstances of Wilson’s calf injury, Fields has been leading the way for the Steelers. Both teams coming into this matchup are in first place in their divisions.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers DFS Start ‘Ems
Here are a few of the players that we are leaning on heavily in this game. These players are in a good spot to put together a solid performance and have a favorable matchup.
J.K. Dobbins, Running Back, Los Angeles Chargers (DraftKings: $5,400, Fanduel: $5,500)
J.K. Dobbins has been dominating for the Los Angeles Chargers for the first two games this season. He had 10 carries, 135 yards, and a touchdown against the Raiders. Last week, he had 17 carries, 131 yards and a touchdown. Dobbins is the leading scorer for the Chargers this season and is projected to get 10.95 FTPS against the Steelers on Sunday. Dobbins is averaging 21.50 FTPS per game.
The Chargers have incorporated Dobbins into their offense, and it’s great this season. He should have a good game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday since WR Josh Palmer is suffering a calf injury and has not been productive for the Chargers.
Justin Fields, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers (DraftKings: $5,400, Fanduel: $7,000)
Justin Fields has stepped in for the Pittsburgh Steelers as quarterback, with Russell Wilson suffering a calf injury. Fields has had 30/43 completions, 273 passing yards, and one touchdown in the first two games. His average fantasy points for the first two weeks is 11.4 FTPS. Fields is projected to get 15.4 FTPS this week against the Chargers.
Justin Fields has improved each week and has a QBR of 94.4. Look for Fields to have a solid game at home against the Chargers.
Los Angles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers DFS Sit ‘Ems
On the flip side of things, here are a few of the players we are sitting in this one.
Justin Herbert, Quarterback, Los Angeles Chargers, (DraftKings: $5,700, Fanduel: $7,300)
Justin Herbert is a little banged up from Week 2 playing against the Carolina Panthers. He has an ankle injury but Head Coach Jim Harbaugh says “he’s working through it”. Herbert has 31/46 completions, 274 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. In Week 1, Herbert had 10.4 FTPS, Week 2 Herbert had 12 FTPS. He is projected to get 14.5 FTPS this week against the Steelers.
It would be beneficial to sit Herbert this week since since J.K. Dobbins has been running the ball well for the Chargers and the passing game for the Chargers is rough with wide receivers dealing with injuries.
George Pickens, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers, (DraftKings: $5,700, Fanduel: $6,300)
George Pickens has been below his projected fantasy points so far this season. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled offensively with 6 field goals in the first game and no touchdowns. Week 2 the Steelers only had 2 touchdowns.
Pickens was 2 of 4 and Fields missed him twice in Week 2. Also, he caught a 51-yard reception that was wiped away because of a holding penalty called. for the first two games he has 8 receptions and 114 yards, no touchdowns. In Week 1, Pickens had 7.5 FTPS, Week 2 only 2.9 FTPS. He is projected to have 8.3 FTPS this week against the Chargers. It is worth sitting Pickens this week against a good Chargers defense.
Total Apex Lock of the Game
Gus Edwards, Running Back, Los Angeles Chargers, (DraftKings: $5,200, Fanduel: $6,000)
Gus Edwards has been non-existent in the Chargers offense. It has been the J.K. Dobbins show for the first two games. Edwards has only had 29 rushing attempts, 85 yards, and no touchdowns. In Week 1, he had 2.8 FTPS, and in Week 2, 5.9 FTPS. He is projected to get 6.3 FTPS against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It will be worth to have Gus Edwards sit on the bench this week and not start him.
Total Apex Fade of the Game
Pat Freiermuth, Tight End, Pittsburgh Steelers (DraftKings: $4,000, Fanduel: $5,200)
Pat Freiermuth only saw 4 targets last game but that was also enough for him to tie the team lead in target share. Their pass rate is over expectations (31st in the league) and has limited the upside of their pass-catchers. Freiermuth has been a big target for the Pittsburgh Steelers and when they do go into the air Freiermuth is the top option for Fields to throw too. The Chargers have also allowed the third-highest target rate in tight ends this season at 24.6%.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Chargers are 2-0 and will have an interesting contest with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pittsburgh Steelers have not scored much on offense in the last two games they have only combined for 33 points in two games. In the first game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Steelers did not score a touchdown but scored 6 field goals to win the game.
The Chargers have averaged 24.0 points per game and have only allowed their opponents to score 6.5 points. As a fantasy owner, I would stack J.K. Dobbins and Pat Freiermuth in this matchup. Dobbins has been the leading scorer and rusher on the Chargers and the reason why the Chargers are 2-0. Tight End Pat Freiermuth should have a good game for the Pittsburgh Steelers, considering the Chargers have allowed the third-highest target rate in the NFL against tight ends this season.
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