The Pittsburgh Steelers will return to action in Week 5 in a Sunday night matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Both quarterback Justin Fields and tight end Pat Freiermuth will be looking to build on their best games of the 2024 season.
Fields was highly productive in Week 4, throwing for 312 yards and a touchdown to go along with 55 rushing yards and another two scores. It was a perfect game script for Fields to shine, as the Steelers were trailing the entire game.
The game script was also good for Freiermuth, who finished with season-highs in catches (five), receiving yards (57), and touchdowns (one). He finished second on the team in the former two categories, as well as in targets.
Are Freiermuth or Fields viable starters in Week 5 when the Steelers take on the Cowboys? Let's discuss.
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 5: Justin Fields
Fields is not 100% guaranteed to start yet, but head coach Mike Tomlin has said he is preparing to start. That said, Russell Wilson is inching closer and is expected to return to full practice at some point this week.
Chances are the Steelers are going to stick with Fields for the time being after a 3-1 start, even if Wilson is healthy. But if Fields falters, we could see the veteran signal-caller sooner rather than later.
But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, Fields is QB6 overall after four games and he draws a matchup against a Cowboys defense that won't have DeMarcus Lawrence, and quite possibly Micah Parsons, either.
Dallas is also tied for the 11th-most fantasy points per game given up to quarterbacks. Assuming he starts, Fields must be in lineups.
Verdict: Start 'Em
Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 5: Pat Freiermuth
Friermuth remains the No. 2 option for quarterback Justin Fields, as he's second on the team in targets, receptions and yards. That was also the case last week against the Indianapolis Colts.
This isn't a good matchup on paper, as the Cowboys are tied for the second-fewest fantasy points per contest surrendered to tight ends. However, Freiermuth is a must start until further notice, as he ranks as TE5 overall.
With George Pickens set to draw some coverage from Trevon Diggs, and with Pittsburgh's rushing attack still not doing much, Fields might have to lean on Freiermuth a lot this week.
Also, Dallas' defense won't have DeMarcus Lawrence, and there's a good chance Micah Parsons will be out, also, so that will help the passing attack. There is definitely a scenario where Freiermuth eats this week.
Verdict: Start 'Em
