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Monday Night Showdown

By Chris Emrick

“Pitt by a million”

Not going to have a ton to write about this showdown slate. Look the Steelers are reeling currently, their defense isn’t what it once was due to injury. That all being true, this match-up against the Bengals is a huge get right spot for them. I watched the entire half of football that Ryan Finley played against the WFT when Burrow went down and it was bad. Sure, he’s likely had far more practice time since then, but I can’t imagine they get much going even against this reduced Steelers defense. The idea is going to be fit as many Steelers into your lineup, whether that be 4 or 5 and find the one piece of Bengals that allows you to play those guys. 

(You could take the contrarian anything can happen route and play 3-4 Bengals too, it could happen… The Jets did win yesterday, so there’s that.)

Favorite Plays

Ben Roethlisberger ($11,800)

Pricey, but the Steelers throw the ball A LOT. Even when they’re ahead they throw the ball and for that reason playing Ben in the Captain or Flex is almost a must. 

Diontae Johnson ($10,200)

Seemingly he’s conquered his injury bug issues from earlier in the year. However, along with the ability to stay healthy has come a case of the drops. Ben keeps going to him while he’s on the field, so we need to keep considering rostering him

JuJu ($10,000)

If Diontae sees a reduced target share it’s likely because JuJu or Claypool ($8,600) got those targets. Heck maybe even both of them did. I lean JuJu even with the higher price and likely will be my favorite stack companion with Ben. (If I’m picking just one WR)

Eric Ebron (6,400)

My favorite play of the slate. Ebron is likely rubbing off on the WR’s and that’s why they’re dropping the ball so much. All jokes aside, his price being so much lower than the rest of the guys makes him an attractive play. Given that he has a similar market share target wise to the Pitt WR2/3 for any given game makes him an auto-lock for me.

Recent News

D'Andre Swift (quad) was limited in Wednesday's practice.
This is the first we're hearing of a quad injury for Swift, though a limited practice to start the week is usually not a cause for concern. Even if Swift doesn't miss any time because of the injury, it could give head coach Ben Johnson a reason to increase the workload for rookie running back Kyle Monangai. Swift coughed up a fumble in Week 2 and is averaging a pedestrian 4.0 yards per carry despite the Bears' line looking vastly improved compared to 2024. Swift is still the top option in the Chicago backfield, but fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on this quad issue going forward.
(Sep 17 -- NBC Sports)

Bears LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.
Edwards missed Week 1 with a hamstring injury but was good to go for Week 2's game against the Lions. This could just be maintenance, but a DNP on Wednesday is an ominous start to the week. The Bears are likely to be down multiple starting cornerbacks on Sunday as well. All signs point to both Chicago and Dallas scoring points with ease in their Week 3 matchup.
(Sep 17 -- NBC Sports)

Bears CB Kyler Gordon (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.
Gordon missed last week's game with the same hamstring injury. The Bears also lost cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a season-ending injury in that contest, potentially leaving them severely undermanned in the secondary heading into Week 3. Expect Dak Prescott and the Cowboys to have no issues lighting up the scoreboard in a likely shootout with Chicago this week.
(Sep 17 -- NBC Sports)

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said it is possible that Brock Purdy (toe) could serve as the No. 2 quarterback in Week 3 against the Cardinals.
Purdy will be limited at Wednesday's practice, which typically puts players on track to play. Turf toe injuries must be treated carefully and take a while to fully heal, if surgery can be avoided. Purdy's limited participation still bodes positively for his availability in the coming weeks. He's worth stashing on benches for the time being.
(Sep 17 -- NBC Sports)

Emeka Egbuka: Doesn't practice Wednesday
Egbuka didn't practice Wednesday due to hip and groin injuries.
(Sep 17 -- Rotowire)

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