Week 1 of the NFL season has finally arrived, but there is still plenty of time to scour the waiver wire and tinker with lineups before the games kick off on Sunday. For players in SuperFlex leagues, that could mean making that last-minute quarterback addition that has a consistent enough role to provide depth while also presenting the possibility of starting or streaming upside. A great example of that is Mitchell Trubisky.
The Steelers’ quarterback competition between Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and first-round rookie Kenny Pickett lasted throughout the entirety of training camp and wasn’t resolved until Trubisky was named a team captain at the start of Week 1. Now that we have clarity on the Steelers’ plans, fantasy managers can decide if Trubisky has the upside of being a weekly starter in SuperFlex leagues.
Looking ahead to Week 1, there are plenty of positives in Trubisky’s situation after a solid preseason, but is it enough to earn him a guaranteed role as a QB2 in fantasy? Let’s dive in.
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Is Mitch Trubisky Starting in Week 1 for the Steelers?
Mitchell Trubisky signed a two-year contract worth $14.25 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers that seemingly made him the starter after the retirement of longtime starter Ben Roethlisberger. However, the Steelers also used a first-round draft pick on University of Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett, throwing that status in flux.
Both players competed throughout the preseason, with Trubisky ultimately winning the job. The veteran quarterback completed 70.6% of his passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions and looked to have command of the offense.
Should I Start Mitch Trubisky in SuperFlex Leagues?
On the surface, there are plenty of things to like about Trubisky this season. He still has the athleticism and mobility to provide value as a rusher. Also, the Steelers have an extremely talented group of pass catchers in wide receivers Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, George Pickens, running back Najee Harris, and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
However, the Steelers have one of the worst offensive lines in football and will be facing a Cincinnati Bengals team that features excellent pass rushers like Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson. That could be good for Trubisky as a runner but could force him to take smaller check-downs, limiting his upside as a thrower.
The safest move with Trubisky in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season is to take a wait-and-see approach if your roster construction allows it. The veteran quarterback looked solid in the preseason, but teams rarely run complex defenses during those games.
We need to see what Trubisky can do (and if the offensive line can hold up) before we start considering him as a locked-in QB2 in the flex position.