Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or DK Metcalf

Monday, December 29, 10:11 PM

Across four games since signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen has recorded eight receptions for 74 yards on 11 targets. While the 35-year-old's overall numbers are modest, he has seen an uptick in usage lately. With Steelers wideouts DK Metcalf (suspension) and Calvin Austin III (hamstring) sidelined in Week 17, Thielen earned five targets in the team's 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Thielen also played 86% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps, most among Pittsburgh wide receivers. Austin III has a chance to return for the team's Week 18 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, but Metcalf will remain on the shelf. In PPR fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Thielen could be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.

Sunday, December 28, 4:57 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers will not void the guarantees in wide receiver DK Metcalf's contract despite his two-game suspension, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. Because Metcalf was suspended by the NFL, the team could have voided those guarantees, but they reportedly want to stay on good terms with Metcalf long-term. Taking away guaranteed money would have gone against that mission. The talented receiver was issued the two-game ban after an altercation with a fan during Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. He's done for the regular season but would be eligible to return for the playoffs, should Pittsburgh qualify. Interestingly, Glazer reported that Metcalf had filed a security report against this same fan last season, so there appears to be some history between the two. Metcalf and the Steelers will look to put this off-field drama behind them, especially since Pittsburgh is without its top two receivers and needs to win next week to make the playoffs.