JuJu had a bit of a disappointing first season without Antonio Brown. But any receiver would have had a bad time with the quarterback play Pittsburgh had in 2019. Now that Ben Roethlisberger is back, JuJu has to be happy. In Week 1 last year with Roethlisberger, Ben targeted Smith-Schuster eight times for six receptions and 78 yards. Smith-Schuster is a prime bounce-back candidate and our No. 13 WR this week, though he'll likely be shadowed by James Bradberry, who held his own in Carolina against the rest of the NFC South.
Fantasy Upside
Ben Roethlisberger is back as the Steelers quarterback and that's great news for JuJu Smith-Schuster. His numbers took a dive without Roethlisberger behind center in 2019. It also didn't help that he dealt with concussion and knee issues during the second half of the season, either. He should be ready to go for 2020 and should be motivated as he enters a contract year. If there's a time to show he can handle the spotlight, it's 2020.
Fantasy Downside
Health is the key for JuJu. So is holding on to the ball. JSS had six drops in 2019, a concerning stat. But you can certainly argue better quarterback play will help keep the ball on target.
2020 Bottom Line
Smith-Schuster should get back to the WR2 range in what is clearly going to be a better Steelers offense (provided Smith-Schuster and Roethlisberger stay healthy. He's currently our WR15 in 0.5PPR. It comes down to your comfort level in Smith-Schuster returning to form. He'll be eyeing a nice payday next offseason, so keep that in mind as well.
Week 17 at Baltimore Ravens
JuJu Smith-Schuster returned to action last week and got four targets, catching two for 22 yards. He missed enough time that it allowed both James Washington and Diontae Johnson to emerge as viable targets, as well. Given the small passing pie with which the Steelers are working, that doesn't allow for much to go around. Guessing which Steelers receiver will be the most valuable from week to week is tough. And probably isn't worth the effort.
Week 16 at New York Jets
It appears JuJu Smith-Schuster will be back in the lineup for the first time since the second quarter of a Week 11 game at Cleveland. James Washington and Diontae Johnson have taken turns having big games in his absence, which could take some pressure off him moving forward. But he also hasn't played a lot with Devlin Hodges. Smith-Schuster is worth a flyer as a flex play in his first game back against a soft Jets defensive back group.
Week 15 vs. Buffalo Bills
JuJu Smith-Schuster is set to return after missing most of the past three games with a concussion and knee injury. So he's missed out on playing with Devlin Hodges the past two games. Smith-Schuster played just one full game with Hodges this season -- against the Chargers -- and had just one reception for seven yards on four targets. But that game plan was much more conservative than the Steelers have been with Hodges the past two games. He might draw Tre'Davious White -- when he's not in the slot -- but Smith-Schuster should be a WR3 play coming back in a low-volume passing game.
Week 11 at Cleveland Browns
JuJu Smith-Schuster drew Jalen Ramsey a lot last week and had three catches for 44 yards on six targets. Mason Rudolph was going down the field more and that bodes well for Smith-Schuster. Even with corners Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams back, the Browns can still be had through the air thanks to poor safety play. Smith-Schuster doesn't have his early-season value, but he's a decent start as a WR3 each week with some upside.
Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Rams
JuJu Smith-Schuster got five targets last week, but caught just three of them for 16 yards as Mason Rudolph looked elsewhere when he went down the field. Smith-Schuster is drawing a lot of attention from opposing defenses and figures to see a healthy dose of Jalen Ramsey when he lines up outside. Smith-Schuster is typically in the slot, though, so it remains to be seen if Ramsey will shadow him inside. You're going to keep playing Smith-Schuster is season-long leagues as a WR2, but his daily prospects are iffy.
Week 9 vs. Indianapolis Colts
JuJu Smith-Schuster got a season-high nine targets last week and responded with his first 100-yard game, catching five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. There has been some whining about Smith-Schuster's performance this season, but he's had at least 75 yards and/or a touchdown in four of the five games started by Mason Rudolph. He's not the WR1 that you drafted, but he's a solid WR2 each week, including this one.
Week 8 vs. Miami Dolphins
Don't get too down on JuJu Smith-Schuster just yet. Better days are ahead. And his one-catch outing against the Chargers two weeks ago had more to do with a game plan put in place to help rookie quarterback Devlin Hodges. The Steelers want to find ways to get Smith-Schuster the ball, and he's had at least 75 receiving yards or a touchdown in four of six games this season. He should be a solid start as a WR2 this week.
Week 6 at Los Angeles Chargers
The focus was on his fumble in overtime, but JuJu Smith-Schuster had a productive fantasy day last week, catching all seven of his targets for 75 yards and a touchdown. It marked the fourth time in five outings this season that he's had at least 75 yards. The Steelers will keep trying to find ways to get the ball in his hands. And he's got a chip on his shoulder this week. Use Smith-Schuster as a WR2 despite Devlin Hodges starting this game.
