Devlin Hodges expected to start for Mason Rudolph in Week 6

The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6, and rookie quarterback Devlin Hodges is likely to get the start on Sunday Night Football, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. Mason Rudolph suffered a concussion on a hit from Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas. He was knocked out by the hit and had to go to the hospital for a check-up. He was released Sunday evening, but it seems unlikely he will clear the concussion protocol by Sunday.

The Steelers promoted Hodges from their practice squad after Ben Roethlisberger was lost for the season. Hodges came on in the third quarter and put together a solid performance in relief. He completed 7 of 9 passes for 68 yards, and if not for a JuJu Smith-Schuster fumble, might have helped lead the Steelers to an upset of the Ravens.

Fantasy football analysis, Steelers QB Devlin Hodges

The Chargers gave up a big game to Joe Flacco and the Denver Broncos offense, but Hodges is not a starting option in fantasy football. The bigger question is what it means for JuJu, James Conner, Vance McDonald, and others. You’ll still want to start those three, but expectations should be lower. Not too much lower given Rudolph’s own inconsistencies, but lower nonetheless.

Gambling analysis

The Steelers have opened as a six-point underdog to the Chargers at DraftKings Sportsbook. The Chargers lost to the Broncos in Week 5, and looked pretty anemic in their effort. They’re decidedly better than the Chargers, but Hodges is a big question mark. I’d say get on the Chargers while the number is under a touchdown, but it’s hard to predict what a rookie quarterback might do.

Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.
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