DK Metcalf
vs Rhamondre Stevenson

“Metcalf has averaged 63 receptions per season in each of the last three years, and will now deal with stiffer competition for targets, in the form of Michael Pittman Jr. and second-round selection Germie Bernard from Alabama.”

“Now the Steelers get an offensive-minded coach in Mike McCarthy who should give a boost to every skill position player. I don’t know if Metcalf will ever be a 100-catch receiver, but he established career-lows in receptions and yards, things I believe will be remedied in 2026.”

“While DK Metcalf finished last year as the WR26, averaging 12.5 PPR fantasy points per game, fantasy players couldn't trust him in their lineups. The veteran scored single-digit fantasy points in 40% of his games, including five of the final eight contests. Furthermore, the Steelers vastly improved their wide receiver room this offseason, adding Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard.”

“DK Metcalf has established himself as the number one option in the Steelers offense and is the only wide receiver of note to have already played with Aaron Rodgers. Last season, Metcalf became a yards after the catch monster, generating 7.2 YAC per reception, the fourth-most among wide receivers with 50+ targets, a massive increase from his career average of 4.25 YAC.”

“Don't be surprised if Metcalf gets back to his 2023 form, when he racked up 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns.”

“DK Metcalf averaged 10.5 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats last season (WR24). Metcalf recorded his lowest receiving yards per game (56.7) since his rookie year.”

“Metcalf led the team with six receiving touchdowns, but only three came from throws inside the red zone, despite his size advantage down there. If McCarthy's scheme features him more in that area and he can jump to double-digit touchdowns, Metcalf has a chance to be a top-18 fantasy wideout once again.”

“This season, Stevenson has had a 52.7% snap rate with a 29.2% rushing share and 47.2% route share (10% target share) in games with TreVeyon Henderson active. I’d expect similar usage or a full-on split between them, with a slight edge to Stevenson on passing downs. Among 46 qualifying rushers, Stevenson ranks 31st in explosive run rate, 22nd in yards after contact per attempt, and 38th in missed tackle rate.”

“Among 43 qualifying backs, Stevenson ranks 12th in yards after contact per attempt and 27th in missed tackle rate. Stevenson could take back more of the backfield this week if he can hold onto the ball. The Bills’ run defense has been pliable, allowing the 12th-highest explosive run rate, the 12th-highest rushing success rate, and the sixth-highest missed tackle rate.”

“Drake Maye is the Ballers’ consensus QB 14 this week; TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson rank as RB29 and RB30, and Romeo Doubs is a low-end FLEX play at WR27.”

“But Stevenson is regarded as the far better pass blocker, and the Patriots’ offensive line has not done a great job of handling pressure this season. It’s going to be very hard to predict the workload split between Henderson and Stevenson. I’m ranking Henderson as a high-end RB3 and Stevenson as a midrange RB3.”

“Stevenson recorded 20 snaps, ran 11 routes, recorded six rushing attempts and 43 scoreless rushing yards.”

“Stevenson is a solid back, but Henderson has the higher ceiling; it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he commands the majority of the backfield for the rest of the season.”

“Over his last nine games, including the playoffs, Stevenson averaged 17.1 PPR PPG on only 14.4 opportunities a game. Among running backs in 2025, he finished No. 3 in Yards per Touch, ninth in Yards Created per Touch, and fourth in Fantasy Points per Opportunity.”

“Fantasy managers willing to invest in TreVeyon Henderson or Rhamondre Stevenson have to reckon with not only an uncertain division of labor but also with a rough early-season schedule. The Patriots open on the road against the team that beat them in the Super Bowl, the Seahawks.”