Fantasy Football Player Notes

Yes, D.K. Metcalf finished as the WR19 in fantasy points per game last year, but if you rostered him last season, you know that it wasn't nearly that glorious to trot him out in your lineup weekly. In nine of his 15 games played, he was outside the top 24 receivers in weekly scoring. Last year, among 109 qualifying receivers, Metcalf ranked 24th in target share (21.1%), 26th in receiving yards per game (56.7), 25th in yards per route run (1.98), 20th in first-read share (27.7%), and 37th in first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). Metcalf will still be operating as Pittsburgh's WR1 (most likely), but he has stiffer target competition with Michael Pittman Jr. added this offseason. He's best viewed as a WR3 with some upside. I won't be going out of my way to draft Metcalf this year, but if he slips past ADP, then he becomes intriguing.

Michael Pittman Jr. had a tough 2025 season as he played through a back fracture and sustained a hamstring injury along the way. Pittman was still the WR26 in fantasy points per game as the Colts' go-to against two high. The back end of his 2025 season was crushed by Daniel Jones' injury. After Week 10, Pittman Jr. surpassed 40 receiving yards in a game only once. In Weeks 1-10, he was the WR9 in fantasy points per game. During that stretch, among 117 qualifying receivers, he was 23rd in target share (21%), 26th in receiving yards per game (58), 33rd in yards per route run (1.90), 31st in first-read share (24.5%), and 15th in first downs per route run (0.114, per Fantasy Points Data). Pittman Jr. isn't the sexiest pick in fantasy football drafts in 2026, but he could return solid value in PPR formats as Aaron Rodgers' underneath chain mover.

Germie Bernard profiles as a better real-life fit than fantasy target entering the NFL, landing behind established veterans DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in Pittsburgh. The former Alabama receiver offers versatility, toughness, and strong YAC ability, which should help him earn snaps early, particularly from the slot. However, Year 1 fantasy expectations should remain modest given the crowded depth chart and uncertainty surrounding Pittsburgh's quarterback situation. The second-round pick feels more like a long-term depth stash than an immediate-impact rookie, although his well-rounded skill set gives him a relatively safe floor.