Pittsburgh Steelers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth will be looking to end an up-and-down regular season on a positive note against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. Freiermuth was heavily involved in last week's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, logging a season-high seven receptions, but his best fantasy showing of the year came against this same Bengals team back in Week 13. The fourth-year pro hauled in six passes for 68 yards and a touchdown against his division rival, who has surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in the NFL. Furthermore, Freiermuth has performed notably well against Cincinnati throughout his career, scoring double-digit half-PPR fantasy points in five of seven matchups. Fantasy managers with something to play for on Saturday can deploy Freiermuth as a top-12 option in most formats.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught three of seven targets for 50 yards in the Christmas game 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Week 17 was Pickens' first game back from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined from Weeks 14-16. Pickens and the struggling Steelers offense will look to bounce back with a strong performance in Week 18 as they host the Cincinnati Bengals, who rank middle of the pack against opposing wide receivers. Pickens caught three passes for 74 yards and a touchdown in his previous game against the Bengals in Week 13. The Steelers have already clinched a playoff spot. However, they want to steer the ship in the right direction before the playoffs start, as they are on a three-game losing streak heading into this matchup. Look for Russell Wilson to look Pickens' way often in this one. RotoBallers ranks have him as our WR11 in Week 18.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ribs) is no longer on the injury report and will suit up against the Cincinnati Bengals for the regular season finale. He logged full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, showing encouraging signs of his availability on Saturday as the Steelers host the Bengals in Week 18. The Steelers are currently on a three-game losing streak and will look to eliminate the Bengals from playoff contention with a win on Saturday. Over the past two games, Warren has accumulated 204 all-purpose years and is one of the more explosive players on this Steelers offense. Fantasy managers can deploy Warren as a low-end RB2/flex play in a plus matchup as he comes in as RB16 in the latest RotoBaller running back rankings.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) returned to practice this week after being designated to return from Injured Reserve, but he has been ruled out of the Week 18 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The rookie third-round pick out of Michigan will go without a catch in his debut season, which isn't a great sign for his future outlook. However, the Steelers are one of the few organizations to take it slow with first-year players, and his injury misfortunate has also held him back. He can continue to be stashed in deep dynasty leagues, and it will be interesting to see if he can return and make an impact in the NFL postseason.

According to the team, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ribs) upgraded to full participation during Wednesday's practice session. This is a great sign, as Warren was listed as limited participation during Tuesday's initial session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status on Thursday in case he faces a setback. Over the past two weeks, Warren has logged more offensive snaps than the presumed No.1 option in the backfield, Najee Harris. Warren has averaged 11.5 attempts and 5.5 targets per game during this two-game stretch. If Warren is off the injury report on Thursday, he should be viewed as a solid RB2 in PPR formats facing the Cincinnati Bengals, given his elite receiving ability.