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Behind the Steel Curtain fantasy football takes on DK Metcalf

Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Behind the Steel Curtain about DK Metcalf.

80
Insights
36
Positive
34
Negative
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All Behind the Steel Curtain insights about DK Metcalf

PositiveUsageOct 2, 2026
Metcalf was left wide open on two critical plays where Aaron Rodgers failed to deliver: a third-quarter deep ball that would have been an easy touchdown, and the final play of the game where he was open for a completion that would have positioned the Steelers at the 35-yard line for a 52-yard field goal attempt to send the game to overtime. The Steelers' offensive struggles stem partly from the lack of an adequate No. 2 receiver opposite Metcalf after trading away George Pickens, who subsequently became an All-Pro.
PositiveBreakoutOct 2, 2026
Metcalf recorded his best game of the season on Thursday with 5 receptions for 115 yards on a variety of plays including a sideline contested catch, 43-yard post, and wide receiver screen for big yards-after-carry on third down. He could've had an even stronger stat line if Rodgers had seen him breaking open in key moments. After a rough start to the season, Metcalf is finally looking the part and heated up in the fourth quarter with clutch connections to tie the game late. The source notes that even when the Steelers offense looked good earlier this season, Metcalf was underperforming relative to his role, so this performance should greatly add to the team's passing game options.
PositiveUsageSep 27, 2026
DK Metcalf caught a touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers in the third quarter that proved to be one of the two pivotal plays deciding the game. Metcalf and Michael Pittman ran overlapping crossers that caused a collision between a pair of Bengals defenders, leaving Metcalf wide open for the score. This TD came after a roughing-the-kicker penalty on Cam Johnston extended the Steelers' drive, highlighting Metcalf's role as a key target in the Steelers' high-volume passing attack.
NegativeBustSep 25, 2026
DK Metcalf has underperformed significantly through the first two weeks of the season. NFL.com's Nick Shook stated: "DK Metcalf has been one of the least reliable receivers in football through two weeks." This assessment comes amid broader offensive dysfunction, with the Steelers producing only one offensive touchdown in eight quarters. Metcalf's unreliability is cited alongside other offensive concerns including Pittsburgh's regressed offensive line, nonexistent running game, and Aaron Rodgers' accuracy issues under pressure. The source indicates Metcalf's early struggles are a notable component of the Steelers' offensive ineptitude.
NegativeBustSep 24, 2026
Metcalf and the Steelers offense have struggled significantly through two games, scoring just 23 points total. The offensive performance has been poor enough that trade proposals have emerged suggesting Pittsburgh move on from Metcalf in exchange for Jameson Williams and a first-round pick. The source notes that if Metcalf and the offense continue to struggle in the coming weeks, the Steelers should consider such a move, indicating the current trajectory is concerning for fantasy production.
NegativeBustSep 23, 2026
The Metcalf trade and extension are looking foolish now; the pairing of Rodgers and Metcalf never made sense stylistically because Rodgers likes precision and that's never been Metcalf's game. Both Arthur Smith and McCarthy have tried to increase targets to Metcalf in the quick game via screens and quick hitches, in part because Rodgers no longer likes to hang in the pocket long enough for the vertical routes Metcalf has always been better suited for. Metcalf isn't helping matters with his drops; while he's always been prone to occasional drops, he's nearly matched his drop total for all of last year (4) in just two weeks, and is on pace for a laughable 26-drop season should his struggles continue at the same rate.
NegativeRoleSep 23, 2026
DK Metcalf is underperforming as the Steelers' primary receiving option; Jordan Rodgers notes that "no one complements DK, he's not playing as good as he should right now, and they don't have other options." With Michael Pittman Jr. absent and the Steelers lacking complementary weapons at receiver, Metcalf is isolated without support, mirroring last year's offensive limitations. The lack of a running game compounds the issue, forcing the offense to rely heavily on Metcalf without adequate help.
NegativeProjectionSep 23, 2026
Through two games in 2026, Metcalf has recorded 8 receptions for 67 yards and 0 touchdowns, averaging just 8.4 yards per catch. Against New England, he was targeted 9 times but averaged only 6.8 yards per reception and dropped 2 passes. The struggles are particularly notable given his reputation as one of the NFL's premier big-play threats; he had opportunities to make explosive plays down the field in Week 1 but was unable to consistently capitalize, and the issues continued against New England as the Steelers offense struggled to generate explosive plays as a whole.
PositiveBustSep 20, 2026
Metcalf has been a net negative for the Steelers and borderline unplayable; he has eight receptions for 67 yards in the first two games of 2026, putting him at roughly $29,000 per yard if his $33 million annual contract is broken down on a per-game basis. His success rate when targeted is 89th dating back to last season despite ranking 22nd in target share, and he's averaging less than two yards of separation in 2026 after averaging only 2.6 yards of separation in 2025.
NegativeBustSep 20, 2026
DK Metcalf is becoming a net negative for the Steelers offense. He turned nine targets into just four catches for 27 yards. Both Roman Wilson and rookie second-rounder Germie Bernard finished the game with more yards on fewer targets. Drops continued to plague Metcalf. Head coach Mike McCarthy manufactured touches for Metcalf early, which never amounted to much. Metcalf continues to get the most targets of anyone in the offense, but it's becoming hard to justify that workload. The Steelers offense may need to reduce Metcalf's workload.
PositiveBreakoutSep 19, 2026
DK Metcalf had a frustrating Week 1 performance with dropped passes and missed explosive opportunities (estimated 150 additional yards left on the table), plus two offensive pass interference flags and multiple uncalled defensive pass interference plays against him. However, Aaron Rodgers explicitly committed to continuing to target him heavily moving forward, stating 'I'm going to keep feeding him.' Week 2 vs. New England presents a bounce-back opportunity, especially if Michael Pittman Jr. remains unavailable due to injury, which would increase Metcalf's target volume.
PositiveProjectionSep 18, 2026
In Week 1, Metcalf was behind the defense on an overthrown slot go route on the 3rd play, behind the defense on a non-PI call go route down the left sideline, and behind the defense on a crosser that he dropped. Despite the drops and penalties, the source is encouraged by the near misses on chunk plays and expects the Steelers to hit on a handful of deep shots going forward. Against the Patriots in Week 2, the source would be pleased with 5+ receptions for 60+ yards.
NegativeMatchupSep 17, 2026
Metcalf was targeted on a play-action pass in the end zone in Week 1, where the defensive back grabbed his arm before the ball arrived, but Metcalf still managed to get both hands on the ball. This was one of two incomplete play-action passes where the Steelers left points on the board. The source notes that despite the Steelers' inconsistent running game, Rodgers completed 6-of-8 play-action pass attempts for 65 yards, suggesting the offense could be more dangerous if the run game improves.
PositiveBustSep 14, 2026
Metcalf had a disappointing Week 1 with 4 catches on 10 targets for 40 yards. He committed two offensive pass interference penalties (one negating a 19-yard catch and run), dropped a pass over the middle that would have gained at least 20 yards, and failed to drag his feet down the sideline on a 4th-and-3 attempt. The source emphasizes drops as the biggest issue and notes this was supposed to be Metcalf's breakout season after disappointing first year in Pittsburgh and added receiver help. Fans booed after a critical drop, signaling frustration.
NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026
Metcalf had a poor Week 1 outing on 10 targets, catching just 4 passes for 40 yards. One reception was negated by his second offensive pass interference penalty of the day, erasing a 19-yard gain. He also failed to drag his feet on a well-thrown sideline ball that would have gone for 21 yards and dropped Rodgers' best throw of the day between two Falcons defenders that would have gained 20 yards. In total, Metcalf's drops and penalties cost the Steelers 104 yards and 1 TD.
NegativeBustSep 13, 2026
Metcalf had a terrible Week 1 showing with multiple issues: he was called for a pair of offensive pass interferences, was targeted 10 times but finished with just four catches for 40 yards, and had crucial drops. Rodgers and Metcalf seemed to be just a tick off timing-wise from each other all game, resulting in downfield passes bouncing off Metcalf's hands. In the third quarter, Rodgers hit Metcalf over the middle right in the hands and the receiver was not able to bring it in, resulting in boos from the crowd. If the Steelers offense is going to take a step up in 2026, Metcalf is going to need to step up.