The Pittsburgh Steelers are rolling into Cleveland to face a struggling Browns team after defeating the Baltimore Ravens. Cleveland may be without their top three offensive tackles, have traded away playmakers, and appear to be looking at 2025. There are some key matchups you may want to consider when setting your fantasy football lineup in week 12.
We are diving into some Start ‘Em and Sit ‘Em talk as fantasy football playoffs approach. At the same time, the Steelers are looking to keep pace in the AFC playoff race. There are some intriguing personnel decisions to be made for fantasy football managers, while there are also some obvious no-go’s. Here are a few of our recommended Steelers to start and sit on Thursday night.
START NAJEE HARRIS
Najee Harris is in a prime position to earn some big bucks in the 2025 NFL Free Agency – at least as far as running back money goes. In the meantime, there are not many teams he has had more consistent success against. In six career games, Harris has accumulated 493 yards rushing and four touchdowns. While last season he put up less-than-desirable numbers against the Browns, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has found ways to get Harris space to work. I would expect his number to be called plenty in a game that will be influenced by inclement weather.
SIT PAT FREIERMUTH
Pat Freiermuth has not had as much success with Russell Wilson as he did with Justin Fields as far as the numbers go. With Fields, Freiermuth recorded at least four receptions in four out of six contests. He has not eclipsed that mark with Wilson – yet. I would not expect a lot of production in this short week.
START STEELERS D/ST
This feels obvious but it should be emphasized. The Steelers defense will be playing against a quarterback who makes exciting plays and also has been known to turn the football over. Coupled with the fact the Browns receiving corps is limited and their top three offensive tackles could miss the game… the defense will have no excuses but to make plays this week.
SIT MIKE WILLIAMS
I’m sure someone reading this picked Mike Williams up off the waiver wire once the trade was complete. After his game-winning catch against the Washington Commanders, it really seemed like he would see an accelerated push into a role in the offense. For the ones who scooped him off the waiver wire, it felt like steal of the year. Not so fast. He is still being outsnapped by Van Jefferson. It may be more reasonable to see that eventual expansion after the extra days off following Thursday Night.
WILD CARD: START JAYLEN WARREN
This game is forecasted to be cold, with a chance of sleet, and bad weather in general. The good news is Arthur Smith is one of the best at generating a ground game. Harris will be the lead back, but Jaylen Warren is primed to get his split of the carries. Like Harris, Warren has generated success against the Browns including a 75-yard touchdown run last year in Cleveland. He averages an outstanding 8.5 yards per touch against Cleveland over his career.