Week 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens
JuJu Smith-Schuster got just four targets last week for three catches for 15 yards in one of his worst games since he burst onto the scene in the second half of his rookie year. But the game plan was to work the Steelers running backs against Cincinnati's linebackers. He has a nice slot matchup this week against Chris Carr and should find some space against what has become a questionable Ravens secondary. Look for a bounce back game for Smith-Schuster this week in a WR2 situation.
Week 4 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
JuJu Smith-Schuster saw seven targets last week, turning them into three catches for 81 yards and a long touchdown. In two games against the Bengals in 2018, he had 12 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown on 20 targets. Smith-Schuster is still dealing with extra attention, but the Steelers are going to try to get him the football no matter what. He remains a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 option.
Week 3 at San Francisco 49ers
JuJu Smith-Schuster has gotten eight targets in each of the Steelers' first two games, and that looks like it might be the floor this season. He had five catches for 84 yards last week, with three of those receptions coming in the second half with Mason Rudolph at QB. He shouldn't be downgraded much with Rudolph at QB. He's still the unquestioned No. 1 in the offense. He's averaging 5.5 catches and 81 receiving yards per game. That's solid, if unspectacular production.
Week 2 vs. Seattle Seahawks
JuJu Smith-Schuster was targeted eight times last week against the Patriots, catching six for 78 yards. A lot of that production came in the fourth quarter, but the matchup this week isn't nearly as daunting. Seattle's secondary got torched by the Bengals last week for more than 400 yards. Smith-Schuster should see plenty of action in this game and be a solid WR1 play.
Week 1 at New England
The Patriots loaded up to stop JuJu Smith-Schuster and Antonio Brown when these two teams met last season and did a pretty good job of it, holding the duo to eight catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. But Smith-Schuster got 10 targets in that game, even though he managed to catch just four for 40 yards. The Steelers will scheme things up to get Smith-Schuster the ball, but it could be difficult. The strength of Patriots defense is the secondary. Keep your expectations tempered this week. There will be better days ahead for Smith-Schuster.
Fantasy Upside
JuJu Smith-Schuster emerged as a top fantasy wideout in 2018, catching 111 passes for 1,426 yards and seven scores. Still just 22 years old, he continues to improve seemingly with each game. He was top five in the league in targets in 2018 and with Antonio Brown now in Oakland, he should be right there again this season.
Fantasy Downside
How will Smith-Schuster react to being the focal point of opposing defenses? The Steelers will move him around a lot to free him up, but he figures to be doubled on almost every snap. Also, despite having 169 catches in his first two seasons, Smith-Schuster has scored just 14 touchdowns, seven in each season. That number needs to improve in 2019 if he's truly going to be a fantasy star.
2019 Bottom Line
The stars seem to be aligned for Smith-Schuster to have another big year. He'll be heavily targeted and should produce big numbers, including more touchdowns and be an unquestioned No. 1 fantasy receiver. Another 100-catch, 1,400-yard season seems to be reasonable to expect.
Week 17 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
JuJu Smith-Schuster was largely unaffected by a groin injury suffered last week during practice and caught 11 passes for 115 yards. He did lose a key fumble at the end of the game against the Saints that cost the Steelers a chance to win it, so he'll be motivated to bounce back this week. Look for another big game against a Cincinnati defense against which he caught seven passes for 111 yards earlier this season.
Week 16 at New Orleans Saints
JuJu Smith-Schuster was held to four catches for 40 yards last week as the Steelers were more intent to pound away on the ground against the Patriots. That won't happen this week and no receiver in football has averaged more than the 121 yards per game Smith-Schuster has posted in away games this season. He's a solid WR1 play this week against a soft Saints pass defense.
Week 15 vs. New England Patriots
JuJu Smith-Schuster had eight receptions for 130 yards and a pair of scores last week. But for whatever reason, he's been better on the road than at home this season, averaging half as many yards. Expect that to shift this week. The Steelers have no running game and will have to throw regularly. Smith-Schuster should have no issues with New England's pass defense and should be a WR1 play this week.
Week 14 at Oakland Raiders
JuJu Smith-Schuster had a "down" week and caught six passes for 49 yards last week. With the Raiders having allowed 29 touchdown passes this season -- a league-worst -- and James Conner out, the Steelers might be even more pass-happy than usual. Considering they're averaging 350 yards passing per game on the road, that could mean big things for Smith-Schuster. He should be a strong WR2 play with WR1 upside this week.
