30 Scenarios in 30 Days: DK Metcalf Will Have Double-Digit Receiving TDs
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for the 2025 regular season, but before the real games begin, the team has to head to training camp back at Saint Vincent College in order to fine tune their skills. As we here at SCN prepare you for the start of camp, we give you a series called “30 Scenarios in 30 Days” which gives you a Steelers scenario every day leading up to the start of camp.
It is simple how it works. We provide you the scenario, reasons why it will or won’t happen, and then our prediction for what we think will take place.
Let’s get to the scenario…
Scenario: DK Metcalf Will Have Double-Digit Receiving TDs
Why it will happen: First of all, the fact that Metcalf has done it before twice in his career shows getting to double digit touchdowns is not out of reach. Hitting 10 touchdowns in 2020 and 12 touchdowns in 2021, DK Metcalf has shown getting there is possible.
Next, look at the quarterback who is expected to be throwing Metcalf the ball. Last season Aaron Rodgers threw 28 touchdowns as part of the New York Jets. Yes, he spread the scoring around with Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams each having seven touchdowns while Allen Lazard added six. In Pittsburgh, Metcalf is currently head and shoulders above the rest of the wide receivers, both literally and figuratively, and could very well see a proportionally large amount of targets in the Steelers offense.
Why it won’t happen: Although DK Metcalf has hit double digit touchdowns before, it’s been a while. He came close in 2023 with eight touchdowns, but last year he only saw five touchdowns for a Seattle team that went 10–7.
Looking strictly from the Steelers perspective, they haven’t had a receiver catch double digit touchdowns since 2018 when Antonio Brown had a franchise record 15 receiving touchdowns. In fact, there have only been 16 instances in franchise history of a receiver having double digit touchdowns in a season. The way the Steelers playthe game, it’s not always the easiest thing to do.
Prediction: The idea of DK Metcalf getting to double digit touchdowns this season sounds great, but I don’t know if that number would actually mean the Steelers are having a successful season. It would be better if the Steelers were able to spread the ball around, especially including their tight ends, and for them to be running more efficiently. With the Steelers still having much more skill on the defensive side of the ball, it’s great to score a lot of points but not always necessary. For this reason, I think Metcalf will get close to double digit touchdowns, but I’m not certain that he’ll actually reach the goal.
Miss a scenario? You can see the full list of scenarios below, and be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for training camp.
The Steelers will go above and beyond their win-loss prediction in 2025
The Steelers will throw more INTs than last season
The Steelers will eclipse 50 sacks in 2025
I completely agree with your assessment/ conclusion. I think it very plausible for DK to have 10+ touch’s and still the Steelers are not doing well. Many of the Steelers receivers scored ‘garbage time’ touchdowns the last few years as the team was on the receiving end of a handful of blowouts.
Although dealing with Tight Ends, I remember that Heath Miller’s best statistical receiving years were often in overall down years for the team. I think the same can absolutely apply this year.
An interesting question might be if the Steelers go and get a really good, proven number two receiver before the season starts, will that raise or lower DK’s touchdowns? One could argue either way. Another option for Rodgers could spread his looks, but another legit threat could take the defense’s focus off of DK in the red zone.
Same could be said for his overall stats. You mentioned AB’s 2018. That also just happened to be the year Smith-Shuster and he broke the NFL record books for receptions and yards. Having a powerful number two on the roster could actually be the key to not just unlocking success for DK, but the team, too.