Pittsburgh Steelers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) didn't officially practice this week and was ruled out for Saturday's game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens for the third straight game, but he is running and did make an effort to be cleared this week. The Steelers are optimistic that Pickens will be ready to go next Wednesday on Christmas Day to face the Kansas City Chiefs. The 23-year-old picked the worst possible time to miss games for fantasy managers relying on him in the postseason, but he could be back next week to resume his role as Pittsburgh's No. 1 wideout. If Pickens is active next week, fantasy managers will be hard-pressed not to throw him back in their starting lineups, even in a tough matchup against the Chiefs' stingy defense. Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson and Mike Williams have done little in Pickens' absence, with tight end Pat Freiermuth being the biggest beneficiary.

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was somewhat quiet last week but remains one of the most reliable fantasy options at his position ahead of a Week 16 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. Back in Week 11, Boswell single-handedly defeated Baltimore on the scoreboard, nailing all six of his field goal attempts in the 18-16 victory. Saturday's contest will take place in Pittsburgh, where Boswell averages three field goals made per game. With George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined for a third straight week, the Steelers could struggle offensively and may be forced to again lean on their defense and the steady leg of Boswell. Fantasy managers should feel confident deploying Boswell in this divisional bout.

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has scored in three straight games and will look to take advantage of a juicy matchup against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. The Ravens surrender the most passing yards in the league and the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Freiermuth has seen an uptick in his opportunities lately with George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined. He should continue to get plenty of looks from quarterback Russell Wilson on Saturday as Pickens will once again be inactive. Fantasy managers who have been streaming the position or searching for a consistent option can start Freiermuth as a low-end TE1 with upside this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III saw an expanded role in last week's loss and will hope to do more with his opportunities in a Week 16 clash with the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore has been decimated by wide receivers all season, surrendering the second-most fantasy points to the position. Because Pittsburgh will again be without wideout George Pickens (hamstring), Austin should operate as a top option in the passing game after playing on 81% of offensive snaps and tallying 65 receiving yards in Week 15. He certainly has upside in this matchup, but Austin's utilization has been far too inconsistent to trust in him in most fantasy formats. The 25-year-old can be viewed as a desperation flex option in deeper leagues on Saturday.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was quiet in last week's loss but will look to get back on track in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. Although the Ravens have been stout against the run this season, they surrender plenty of catches and receiving yards to the running back position. When Warren last faced Baltimore in Week 11, he hauled in all four of his targets and posted 68 total yards. With George Pickens (hamstring) already ruled out for Saturday's contest, expect the Steelers to lean on the running game and get Warren involved as a pass-catcher, especially if Pittsburgh falls behind on the scoreboard. Fantasy managers can consider Warren as a flex option in half-and-full-PPR leagues this week.