Trevor Lawrence vs DK Metcalf

“The former Clemson star was the QB4 last year, averaging 23.3 fantasy points per game. More importantly, Lawrence played better as the season progressed as he got more comfortable in Liam Coen’s offense.”

“Trevor Lawrence lost a phenomenal end-zone threat, one that will be very hard to replace. Those opportunities to score in the end zone may dwindle, and Little would more than likely be the beneficiary.”

“Lawrence is a locked-in QB1 with tantalizing upside for 2026 with his pass-catching depth chart intact from that stretch run.”

“The Jaguars quarterback came close to finishing as fantasy’s best signal-caller last season in just his first year with Liam Coen. From Week 5 onward, Trevor Lawrence outscored all other players at every single position (23 PPG).”

“Parker Washington (WR – JAC) “At one point, Parker Washington was seen as the heir apparent to Christian Kirk in a Trevor Lawrence -led offense.”

“Trevor Lawrence (JAC) As the 2025 regular season reached its conclusion, Trevor Lawrence was playing the best football of his five-year NFL career under first-year Jaguars head coach Liam Coen.”

“Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAX) outscored every player at every position in fantasy points per game from week five onward last year.”

“Lawrence also had his best season as a runner, establishing career highs in attempts (82), yards (359) and touchdowns (nine). It took Lawrence a while to fully arrive, but with Coen’s help, the splendidly long-haired quarterback has finally become a top-10 quarterback. There’s high-end QB1 potential here — as we saw late last season — and yet Lawrence is being drafted as a low-end QB1, according to average draft position (ADP).”

“Stafford was the QB22 and finished as the QB2, and Lawrence was the QB19 and finished as the QB4. Now they are both back in the bakery because apparently one elite season was not enough to convince fantasy managers.”

“TreVeyon Henderson, Trevor Lawrence, Jaxson Dart – 9 T6”

“There’s high-end QB1 potential here — as we saw late last season — and yet Lawrence is being drafted as a low-end QB1, according to average draft position (ADP).”

“Only four quarterbacks last season bested their overall scoring ranking compared to ADP by more than five spots: Matthew Stafford (QB23 in ADP and QB3 in overall scoring output), Trevor Lawrence (QB20 in ADP), Drake Maye (QB16), and Caleb Williams (QB15).”

“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.”

“Going as the WR34 in PPR leagues, DK Metcalf finished last season as the WR23 in the same format. While he had a lot of middling performances toward the back half of the season, the first six weeks (including a Week 5 bye) featured games with some nice production.”

“He turns 29 in December, and Pittsburgh can get out of his deal next offseason for an $18 million dead cap hit. This time next year, we could be looking at Metcalf coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons as a potential free agent entering his age-30 season.”

“His first year in Pittsburgh was one to forget for DK Metcalf. The Steelers traded a second-round pick to acquire his services and handed him a four-year, $132 million extension in the process. Instead, Metcalf ended up with career lows in targets (99) and receiving yards (850).”

“Bernard likely starts the 2026 season third on the wide receiver depth chart, behind DK Metcalf and newcomer Michael Pittman Jr. in Pittsburgh, though there is a path to targets for the rookie early on.”

“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.”

“With Aaron Rodgers reunited with his former Packers head coach, I think he's going to play a lot better this year, especially since it's his last season in the NFL. That's likely to mean a bounce-back season for Metcalf.”

“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.”

“The Steelers drew one of the hardest schedules against opposing pass defenses. Now, fantasy managers are trying to project target distribution between offseason addition Michael Pittman, DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, and the rest of the offense without any guarantee that the quarterback play will even be efficient enough to support multiple fantasy-relevant pass catchers.”