Pittsburgh Steelers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) was limited in Sunday's practice estimation. The wideout has missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury, so the update isn't surprising. However, it was reported earlier on Sunday that Pickens has a "real chance" to return on Christmas versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Of course, fantasy managers should continue to plan accordingly. But if Pickens isn't out there on Wednesday, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson should continue to see more attention from Russell Wilson.

According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) has a "real chance" to return on Wednesday to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. The top wideout has been sidelined over the past three weeks due to a hamstring injury. While sidelined, Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson have operated as the top options in the Pittsburgh passing attack. Before the injury, Pickens was establishing a nice connection with quarterback Russell Wilson, averaging an impressive 16.0 PPR points per game since Wilson took the starting job. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during the week, as Pickens would be a viable WR2 if he can return to action.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson converted his lone target into a 12-yard touchdown catch during Saturday's Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Patterson touched the ball just once on offense this week, but he made the most of it as he withstood contact from a defender and held on to the football for six points. The 33-year-old continues to have a steady depth role in Pittsburgh, registering a total of 132 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, and one touchdown this year. He's off the fantasy radar in most leagues.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt caught one of two targets against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, finding the end zone from one yard out. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw to three of his four tight ends in the loss, but Pruitt was the only one to catch a touchdown pass from the veteran signal-caller. This game was somewhat of an outlier for the 32-year-old, who now has six catches, 40 yards, and one touchdown in 2024. He's off the fantasy radar going forward.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught all three of his targets for a total gain of 16 yards during Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Freiermuth seemed like he was in a great position to excel with George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined, but that didn't prove to be the case. Instead, Russell Wilson spread the ball around effectively, delivering a completion to three of his four tight ends, as well as connecting with four different wide receivers. Most notably, Freiermuth had a touchdown vultured by tight end MyCole Pruitt, who linked up with Wilson for a one-yard score. All in all, Freiermuth was productive when targeted, but he didn't have the volume or yardage needed to thrive in fantasy football. He'll drop back to the TE2 tier next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.