Panthers vs. Steelers Predictions, NFL DFS Picks — Thursday, August 21

The Carolina Panthers are one of ten NFL teams still searching for their first preseason win. In terms of explaining the goose egg, you can point the finger squarely at the offense, as they've managed just 1 touchdown in their first two games, that score coming in the first quarter of Week 1. You probably won't see an offensive explosion from them tonight, as Dave Canales is resting his starters.

Pittsburgh’s lone preseason win came on the road in Week 1. After suffering a 3-point loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week at home, they’ll be on NFL Network (7:00 p.m. ET), aiming to keep momentum on their side.

Steelers' QB Aaron Rodgers and WR DK Metcalf are not suiting up for the preseason finale, and veteran QB Mason Rudolph will crouch behind center for head coach Mike Tomlin's crew.

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Panthers vs. Steelers Predictions for NFL DFS 

Here are four Panthers vs. Steelers predictions and NFL DFS picks on PrizePicks. Use this NFL preseason DFS analysis to help you build a Lineup on PrizePicks for Thursday, August 21. Click each pick to read more.

• Panthers QB Jack Plummer 90.5 passing yards
• Steelers QB Mason Rudolph 49.5 passing yards
• Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson 29.5 rushing yards
• Panthers WR Jimmy Horn Jr. 20.5 receiving yards

Panthers QB Jack Plummer — 90.5 Passing Yards

• After going 10/14 for 83 yards in last week’s 20-3 loss to the Houston Texans, the 25-year-old will see significant playing time,
• Plummer heads into Week 3 having gone 16/24 for 162 yards, 0 TDs, and 2 picks.
• The Louisville grad has yet to hit 90.5 passing yards in a game, racking up 79 in Week 1 and 83 in Week 2.
• Only Tampa Bay QB Connor Bazelak has thrown for more than 90.5 passing yards against the Steelers this preseason.

Steelers QB Mason Rudolph — 49.5 Passing Yards

• Rudolph threw for 46 yards with just 3 completions last week against the Bucs.
• The Steelers' backup went 9/10 with 84 yards in Week 1.
• Carolina has allowed 183 or fewer passing yards in both of their preseason games.

Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson — 29.5 Rushing Yards

• After being held to 2.5 yards per carry in Week 1, Johnson averaged 4.5 against Tampa Bay.
• Last week, the 2025 No. 83 overall pick led Pittsburgh with 11 carries for 50 yards.
• Johnson also led the Steelers in carries (8) in Week 1, though he was held to 20 yards.
• The Panthers have allowed 100-plus rushing yards in both of their preseason games.

Panthers WR Jimmy Horn Jr. — 20.5 Receiving Yards

• The 22-year-old had just 1 target last week after seeing 5 come his way in Week 1.
• Horn Jr. has only 16 receiving yards on 5 receptions this preseason.
• Eight receivers have recorded more than 20.5 receiving yards against the Steelers this preseason. 

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