Fantasy football projections for Eagles versus Steelers in Week 8

Here’s some breaking news: Philadelphia is a much better city than Pittsburgh. Philly is home to the National League Champion Phillies. Pittsburgh puts french fries in their sandwiches. Here’s something else to consider. The Philadelphia Eagles are a much better team than the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Eagles are better on the field, on paper, and on whatever Fantasy platform you choose. According to the latest Yahoo Fantasy projections, the Eagles will outscore the Steelers by a 110.5 to 85.18 margin on Sunday.

That sounds good, so let’s see how these numbers work out for each position as Philadelphia prepares to meet its cross-state rival.

Here’s a Fantasy breakdown of the Eagles and Cowboys game in Week 8. 

Quarterbacks

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (24.14 projected points):

Jalen Hurts gets a nice healthy projection this week. This could be due to a week of rest, or it could have something to do with Pittsburgh’s defense. Only the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons give up more yards through the air than the Steelers, although Pittsburgh does have eight interceptions this year.

That shouldn’t matter since Hurts has thrown only two interceptions so far. This week he’s ranked QB2 which places him behind Josh Allen and ahead of a struggling Lamar Jackson.

Steelers QB Kenny Pickett (13.95 projected points)

Can we get a small hand for Kenny Pickett? He’s only played in four games as a rookie, but he’s already throwing more passes per game than Jalen Hurts. If only he could run.

Pickett’s 32 completions last week were the second most in his young career, and his 13.28 Fantasy points were his second most so far. It hasn’t helped his Fantasy rankings so far.  This week, Pickett is ranked behind the Colt’s Sam Ehlinger, a man who’s never thrown an NFL pass.

Keep your head up Pickett.  Better days are ahead. They just aren’t coming this week.

Running Backs

Eagles running back Miles Sanders (12.95 projected points)

Miles Sanders has essentially the same projection he had against the Dallas Cowboys. With the exception of the game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, his statistical output has been pretty consistent.

He’d had less than 20 carries, fewer than 100 yards, and under 20 Fantasy points in each contest. He’s the 19th-ranked running back this week, four spots behind Cowboys backup Tony Pollard.  Luckily, Pittsburgh’s defense does not defend the run very well. Sanders should make them pay.

Steelers RB Najee Harris (12.51 projected points)

Look three spots behind Sanders in the rankings and you’ll find Najee Harris, the biggest Fantasy bust of 2022. Not too long ago, he was the seventh-ranked running back and a first-round pick in Fantasy drafts. So far he’s done very little. He’s scored only one touchdown and is averaging 10.7 Fantasy points per game.

Luckily for the Eagles, the Steelers don’t have a better option in their backfield. Hopefully, Fantasy owners don’t have that problem.

Wide Receivers

Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (15.56 projected points) and DeVonta Smith (13.44 projected points)

A.J. Brown is the week’s tenth-ranked receiver. DeVonta Smith is ranked 23rd. Brown averages less than nine targets per game. Smith gets even fewer looks.

These numbers aren’t great, but the Steelers’ wide receivers either have big games or they bomb. If the Eagles can build an early lead, Fantasy managers should temper their expectations about Brown or Smith’s production.

Steelers wide receivers Diontae Johnson (11.05 projected points), Chase Claypool (9.99 projected points), and George Pickens (9.63 projected points)

The numbers tell you that all three guys are pretty much the same. Johnson signed a big deal in the offseason but has underwhelmed so far. Chase Claypool was an afterthought until he scored 23 Fantasy points versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. Pickett seems to favor George Pickens, so the Eagles should keep an eye on him. They haven’t had much success in doing so, but the Steelers still throw the ball more than most teams in the league.

Tight Ends

Dallas Goedert (12.67 projected points)

This number is dead on his Fantasy average. Dallas Goedert had a season-low 4.2 Fantasy points versus the Cowboys but should bounce back this week versus the Steelers. Mark Andrews is the only tight end with a higher projection this week.

Pat Freiermuth (9.64 projected points)

Freiermuth was the Steelers’ leading receiver last week and his 15.5 Fantasy points matched his season high. He’s shown good chemistry with Pickett and with his size and speed, he’s someone the Eagles’ defense needs to worry about.

Defense/Kickers

Eagles Defense (8.51 projected points) and Steelers Defense (3.91 projected points) 

The Eagles’ defense has scored 61 Fantasy points so far. After a dominant Week 1, the Steelers defense hasn’t accounted for more than five points in any game. Mix in a rookie quarterback and these projections seem pretty accurate.

Eagles kicker Jake Elliot (8.29 projected points)

Elliot kicked his first field goal of the season of 50 yards or more and his ten points were a season high.

Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (6.73 projected points)

Boswell already has five kicks of 50 yards or more. That doesn’t make him a better kicker, it just means his offense isn’t very good. Don’t be surprised if Boswell outscores his projection (and Elliot) on Sunday.

Have fun watching the game and tracking your Fantasy teams this weekend.  Hopefully, you win big, just like the Eagles will.