The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day in Week 17, as Mike Tomlin’s team looks to get back in the win column and end their two-game losing streak. If the Steelers want to pull off a crucial Christmas victory against the defending champions on Wednesday, they’ll need the offense to step up, primarily wide receiver George Pickens, running back Najee Harris and quarterback Russell Wilson.
Pickens will return to the lineup in Week 17 after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury. Pittsburgh’s offense has been extremely lackluster during Pickens’ absence.
Harris was effective last week against the Baltimore Ravens, but the 26-year-old only received nine carries and totaled just 42 yards rushing. Wilson struggled without his No. 1 receiver in Pickens, as the veteran signal-caller had two turnovers in Week 16 against the Ravens, but also threw two touchdown passes.
Pickens, Harris and Wilson will need to turn in productive performances if the Steelers are to earn Win No. 11, but are they viable options to start in your lineup in Week 17? Let’s discuss it.
Fantasy Football Start or Week 17 Sit-In: George Pickens
Assuming Pickens isn’t on an instant account, the 2022 second-round pick is poised for a big day. Although Kansas City is allowing the ninth fewest points to receivers this season (18.87)Pickens is the engine of Pittsburgh’s passing attack and has been the WR11 in PPR from week 10 to week 13.
The Chiefs secondary is one of the best units in the league, but Pickens has been incredibly consistent this season and should start in your lineup in Week 17, ideally as the WR2.
Verdict: Start
Week 17 fantasy football start or sit: Najee Harris
Harris has been ineffective over the past few weeks, as the former Alabama star hasn’t had a 100-yard game since Week 9 and hasn’t scored a touchdown in the last two games. Harris ranks first RB36 in PRR since Week 14 and hasn’t even been the Steelers’ most productive running back in that span, as Jaylen Warren has come in as a running back. RB34 in PPR since week 14.
To make matters worse, the Chiefs run defense is solid. Kansas City only allows 91.4 rushing yards per game and just lets four yards per carryboth ranking in the top five in the NFL. Additionally, the Chiefs give up the fewest points to running backs per game. (11.2).
The odds are stacked against Harris in Week 17, and we simply don’t see a reason to start the former first-round pick this week.
Verdict: Sit down
Week 17 fantasy football start or sit: Russell Wilson
Wilson has cooled off after a fantastic start with the Steelers, but with Pickens returning to the lineup, his outlook completely changes. The nine-time Pro Bowler ranked No. 1 QB16 in PPR from Week 10 to Week 13 and thrived when Pickens was in the lineup.
Although Wilson will likely post solid passing numbers in Week 17, the veteran still has a low ceiling due to his inability to put up significant numbers on the floor. But the veteran is a completely different signal-caller when George Pickens is in the lineup, so start Russell Wilson on Christmas Day.
Verdict: Start
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