Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens finished with just two receptions for 29 yards on four targets in the team's 13-6 win over the Denver Broncos. Although Pickens was quiet for fantasy purposes, this is a case where the box score statistics don't quite tell the whole story. In the second quarter, Pickens came down with an impressive catch on an even better throw by quarterback Justin Fields that was ultimately called back due to holding. On Pittsburgh's next possession, Pickens took a short pass into the endzone for a six-yard score, but an offensive pass interference call on receiver Van Jefferson erased the touchdown. All in all, this was a difficult matchup for Pickens to begin with, so fantasy managers should choose to be optimistic given his usage as the clear WR1 in this offense. Pickens and the Steelers will hope to put more points on the board in their home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.
Sep 16, 2024 12:44 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens operated as the favorite weapon of quarterback Justin Fields last week and will hope to find continued success against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Unfortunately for the Steelers and fantasy managers alike, Pickens will likely be shadowed by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Surtain, the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, held Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf to just 29 yards on three receptions in Week 1. Pickens should still earn a respectable target share given Pittsburgh's lack of proven commodities at receiver, but fantasy managers must keep their expectations in check heading into Sunday's contest. The 23-year-old should be viewed as a WR3 or flex option this week.
Sep 13, 2024 11:51 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught six of seven targets for 85 yards and lost 10 yards on his lone rush attempt in an 18-10 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. There was no doubt that Pickens would operate as Pittsburgh's WR1 entering the season, but fantasy managers should be glad to see him succeed in this role immediately. The 23-year-old earned a 30% team target share with Justin Fields under center and was responsible for most of the Steelers' offensive highlights. He should be viewed as a solid fantasy WR2 going forward with the potential to become more should Pittsburgh correct its red zone woes. A matchup against the Denver Broncos is on tap for Week 2.
Sep 8, 2024 7:10 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens finished as the fantasy WR26 last season and will be looking to establish himself as a true number-one option in 2024. His first opportunity to do so will come against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Atlanta was stout against opposing wideouts in 2023, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to the position. To make matters worse, it is currently unclear who will throw Pickens the ball on Sunday with Russell Wilson (calf) officially listed as questionable. The good news for fantasy managers is that Wilson or Justin Fields under center should be a clear upgrade for Pickens compared to the Steelers' quarterbacks of the past two years. Pittsburgh demonstrated its confidence in Pickens as a WR1 when it traded away Diontae Johnson in March, setting up the 23-year-old for a breakout campaign. There is risk in relying on Pickens this week, but he offers a high ceiling as a low-end WR2 or flex play despite a difficult matchup.
Sep 6, 2024 8:22 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught one of his two targets for four yards in a 9-3 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Pickens could have had a much bigger game as he made an impressive, one-handed contested catch along the sidelines but couldn't quite get his second foot down inbounds, resulting in an incompletion. Pickens is currently slotted in as the Steelers' No. 1 wide receiver as the regular season approaches, although he would be moved to a secondary role if Pittsburgh ends up completing the long-rumored Brandon Aiyuk deal with the San Francisco 49ers. For now, Pickens can be treated as a WR2 in fantasy drafts but could wind up as more of a low-end WR3/flex play if Aiyuk winds up as his teammate.
Aug 18, 2024 6:40 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in both of his two targets for 25 receiving yards in Friday's preseason loss to the Houston Texans. Pickens played on just three offensive series but showed early signs of chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields. The third-year pro was dynamic after the catch, turning short completions into gains of 15 and 10 yards. It's no secret that the Steelers are interested in adding to their receiving corps, but for the time being, Pickens is entrenched as the team's top target. He should see additional opportunities next Saturday in a preseason bout with the Buffalo Bills.
Aug 10, 2024 12:02 AM EST
According to Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, he recently got together with new quarterback Russell Wilson in San Diego for throwing drills. Also in attendance were Calvin Austin III and Van Jefferson, who signed with the Steelers a few weeks ago. Interestingly enough, wideout George Pickens reportedly skipped out on participating with the group. Although a reason hasn't been revealed, it's something to monitor ahead of offseason workouts and moving toward training camp. However, with Wilson looking to bounce back from an unproductive year, not having his No. 1 wideout join him for voluntary drills isn't ideal. It also isn't a good look for Pickens, who fell below expectations throughout the 2023-24 campaign.
Apr 7, 2024 9:36 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught five of his 11 targets for 50 yards and picked up 15 rushing yards on his lone carry of a wild-card round loss to the Buffalo Bills. Pickens came down with a few impressive grabs in the contest but also made a costly mistake when he lost a fumble on Pittsburgh's third offensive possession. Buffalo had already held a 7-0 lead and quickly went up by two touchdowns following the fumble recovery. The 22-year-old managed to bounce back and operated as a go-to guy for Mason Rudolph down the stretch. Despite dealing with inconsistent quarterback play all season, Pickens turned in an incredibly productive campaign and will look to further establish himself as one of the league's most exciting young receivers next season.
Jan 16, 2024 12:32 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens ended the regular season as the fantasy WR26 in half-PPR scoring and will hope to make an impact in his NFL postseason debut against the Buffalo Bills. Pickens did not receive a target in last week's win over the Ravens as both teams battled through rainy conditions. Unfortunately, he'll need to try and overcome the elements once again to bounce back on Sunday. Heavy snow and vicious winds are expected in Buffalo, which could greatly reduce Pittsburgh's chances of success through the air. Because Pickens primarily operates as a downfield threat, volume is not guaranteed in this matchup. The 22-year-old should be viewed as a boom-or-bust WR2 option this weekend.
Jan 13, 2024 12:47 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens gained three yards on his lone rush attempt of a Week 18 victory against the Baltimore Ravens. The second-year pro, who had emerged as the favorite weapon of quarterback Mason Rudolph over the past two weeks, was surprisingly not targeted in the contest. While this sudden disappearance could not have been predicted, it shouldn't come as a complete shock that Pickens failed to make an impact on Saturday. The 22-year-old primarily operates as a downfield threat and many of the Steelers' plays developed close to the line of scrimmage due to the sloppy weather conditions in Baltimore. Pickens can only hope for another opportunity to shine in the playoffs with Pittsburgh's postseason fate currently undetermined.
Jan 6, 2024 10:44 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has scored as a top-12 fantasy option in each of his past two games and will hope to find continued success against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Baltimore's defense has been one of the best units in the NFL this season, but has been vulnerable to receivers recently and is expected to rest many of its starters on Saturday. Pickens has proven to be the favorite target of Mason Rudolph, who will get the start for a third consecutive week. With Pittsburgh battling for a spot in the playoffs, Pickens should be heavily utilized and viewed as a high-upside WR2 for fantasy managers.
Jan 5, 2024 9:18 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in seven of his nine targets for 131 yards in a Week 17 win over the Seattle Seahawks. For a second consecutive week, Pickens operated as the number-one option for quarterback Mason Rudolph. The impressive 22-year-old made multiple highlight-reel grabs, including a 34-yard reception in the fourth quarter that he managed to secure with his fingertips while falling to the ground. If Rudolph remains the starter in Week 18, Pickens should see enough volume to carry high-end WR3 value against a stout Baltimore Ravens defense.
Dec 31, 2023 7:45 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is fresh off a massive performance and will be carrying positive momentum into a Week 17 showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. Although last week's victory was the first contest in which Pickens played with Mason Rudolph starting at quarterback, the duo displayed plenty of chemistry, connecting for 195 yards and two scores. The 22-year-old wideout should continue to operate as a downfield threat against a Seahawks defense that has given up the 12th-most fantasy points and eighth-most touchdowns to receivers this season. With Rudolph drawing another start, fantasy managers in need of upside can roll with Pickens as a high-end WR3 or flex option on Sunday.
Dec 29, 2023 7:25 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens secured four of his six targets for 195 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 22-year-old received criticism throughout the week for a lack of effort in recent contests and responded with the best showing of his young career. With Mason Rudolph at quarterback, Pickens thrived down the field as the two connected on deep balls of 44 and 66 yards. He also took a short pass 86 yards to the house to give Pittsburgh its first of four touchdowns in the win. Although Kenny Pickett (ankle) may return next week, fantasy managers should hope that Rudolph gets the nod in an incredibly enticing matchup for Pickens against the Seattle Seahawks.
Dec 23, 2023 8:59 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has been very underwhelming for fantasy purposes over the second half of the season but will look to get back on track against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. The Bengals have been vulnerable to receiver production in 2023, but Pickens managed just three receptions for 58 yards in a meeting with Cincinnati four weeks ago. In addition, Pickens has never played in a full game with quarterback Mason Rudolph, who will be starting for the Steelers on Saturday. Fantasy managers cannot possibly have confidence in the second-year wideout this week and should avoid starting him if possible.
Dec 22, 2023 7:44 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in three of his seven targets for 47 yards in a Week 15 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Although Pickens earned the most looks from quarterback Mitch Trubisky, it was Diontae Johnson who found the end zone en route to a productive fantasy showing. Trubisky was benched for Mason Rudolph late in Saturday's loss, which could indicate a change under center next week. Kenny Pickett (ankle) is also pushing to return against the Cincinnati Bengals, which would be the best possible scenario for Pickens' fantasy outlook. Given how ineffective Pittsburgh has been offensively, though, it will be difficult to trust Pickens in the fantasy playoffs going forward.
Dec 17, 2023 1:45 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has not found the end zone since Week 8 and will hope to get on the same page as quarterback Mitch Trubisky against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15. The Colts have been far more vulnerable against the run than the pass as Indianapolis has surrendered the 11th-fewest fantasy points to receivers this season. Although Pickens recorded two more receptions than teammate Diontae Johnson last week, the latter gained much more yardage and scored for a second consecutive contest with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback. Fantasy managers should not view Pickens as anything more than a WR4 in what projects to be a low-scoring affair.
Dec 15, 2023 8:43 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens secured five of his six targets for 19 yards in a Week 14 loss to the New England Patriots. Pickens, who had been averaging an impressive 17 yards per catch on the season, was utilized close to the line of scrimmage on Thursday night with quarterback Mitch Trubisky starting in place of the injured Kenny Pickett (ankle). If Pickett is forced to miss another contest, it will be very difficult to trust Pickens for fantasy purposes in Week 15 when the Steelers travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts.
Dec 8, 2023 12:00 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has been quiet for fantasy purposes in recent weeks and will be looking to turn things around against the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. Unfortunately for Pickens, the Steelers will be starting Mitch Trubisky at quarterback with Kenny Pickett (ankle) expected to be sidelined for a few weeks. In Trubisky's four full starts last season, Pickens averaged just over four opportunities per contest and did not eclipse double-digit fantasy points once. The 22-year-old has been featured in Pittsburgh's offense more frequently this year, but fantasy managers should not rely on him as anything more than a desperation flex option in what projects to be a low-scoring affair.
Dec 6, 2023 7:11 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens secured four of five targets for 86 yards in a Week 13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Pickens was heavily involved early on with Kenny Pickett (ankle) under center but only earned one opportunity with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback in the second half. The 22-year-old still managed to lead the team in receiving with ease as Pittsburgh struggled to get much of anything going offensively. Fantasy managers would be wise to consider other options in Week 14 as Pickens' fantasy outlook against the New England Patriots will largely depend on the status of Pickett.
Dec 3, 2023 8:06 PM EST
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