Steelers Fantasy Matchup: Diontae Johnson Could Have Massive Game vs. 49ers

The Steelers will face the 49ers on Sunday, and the offense is the unit that will be the most intriguing to watch. Everything seemed to click after a dynamite preseason, from Kenny Pickett’s breakout to George Pickens continuing to play at a high level. But Diontae Johnson can get lost in the shuffle as a player who will matter a lot to this team. His deep catch against the Falcons reminded people of that.

Against the 49ers, Diontae Johnson could draw Charvarius Ward, the 49ers’ underrated top cornerback. But the size and length of Ward might match up better against George Pickens. They can press him up on the line to try and disrupt Pittsburgh’s promising second-year wide receiver, but that leaves Johnson in a different spot. Deommodore Lenoir and Ambry Thomas would be the two guys tasked with covering Johnson for the day. If you see those matchups on paper like I do, advantage Johnson.

Now, Johnson’s streaky nature raises alarm bells, yet when he is on, good luck stopping Johnson. With zero touchdowns a year ago, the question arose about Johnson, but he is still one of the best route runners in the NFL. Not just that, but his yards-after-catch ability, which was hardly utilized last year, pops when he is given a chance. With a pass rush like the one the 49ers have, expect screen passes and plenty of other quick-game things that prioritize some of the YAC concepts of the Matt Canada offense—the prominent benefactor of all that is Johnson.

Lenoir had a passer rating allowed of 103.8 last year when targeted. The bigger, more physical receivers were the types that Lenoir stepped up to play well against. During the stretch playoff run, he started to put things together. But those shifty route runners can still give Lenoir some trouble. A guy like Johnson matches up well in this circumstance. Lenoir will be a challenge, though.

Thomas played little last year but has plenty of experience from his 2021 season. Still, in nickel, when Lenoir slides inside, the advantage of that matchup goes in the favor of Johnson all the way. Johnson can be the chain mover and a guy who creates that natural separation in this game.

I am sure 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has a guy like Johnson circled, but limiting the explosive plays from Pickens is likely more pertinent to the game. The 49ers will try to force the Steelers into long, drawn-out drives with out many explosive plays. It is up to the Steelres to find the outlet to take advantage of a gameplan like that, the natural outlet in this matchup should be Johnson.