Who Should I Start? Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Kenny Pickett

Saturday, December 6, 9:43 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers elevated wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens, according to the team's official website. Valdes-Scantling signed with the Seattle Seahawks during the offseason but was released before the season began. The veteran was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers, where he played five games and recorded four receptions for 40 yards on eight targets before being waived again. He then signed to Pittsburgh's practice squad on Nov. 4 and is now set to make his team debut in Week 14's divisional matchup against the Ravens. The Steelers have been searching for playmakers at wide receiver all season to complement DK Metcalf, and recently signed veteran Adam Thielen to the practice squad. Valdes-Scantling should have the opportunity for playing time this weekend, but he is most likely to disappoint in his first game with Pittsburgh as a boom/bust deep threat.

Saturday, December 13, 12:21 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kenny Pickett will earn a spot start against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15 with teammate Geno Smith (shoulder, back) sidelined. While Pickett should offer a nice change from Smith, who has 16 touchdowns, 15 turnovers, and 49 sacks this year, he likely won't be a reliable fantasy starter. Pickett went 8-for-11 with 97 yards and a touchdown in relief of Smith last week, and he hasn't finished any of his four seasons higher than the QB28 in fantasy football. He could struggle against an Eagles defense allowing the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns and 14th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Pickett ranks as the overall QB31 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, which means that he can be benched in all leagues.