Who Should I Start? Marquise Brown or George Pickens

Saturday, January 4, 12:32 PM

It will be hard to trust Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown in fantasy lineups in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday in Denver against the division-rival Denver Broncos, mainly because of the fact that quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle) is being rested for the playoffs. Additionally, Hollywood will be facing a top-five defense on the road in a hostile environment while working with backup QB Carson Wentz. Brown will be playing in just his third game of the year after recovering from a shoulder injury that he suffered in the preseason that required surgery. In his two games played, Hollywood has nine catches on 15 targets for 91 yards and no touchdowns. With the Chiefs having nothing to play for with the top seed in the AFC already locked up, Brown could also be at risk of not playing the entire game. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a flex play.

Tuesday, January 14, 12:15 PM

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo suggests that the Pittsburgh Steelers should consider trading wide receiver George Pickens this offseason despite the fact that he's without a doubt the team's best offensive player. However, Pickens will enter the fourth and final year of his rookie deal in 2025, which means he could be a "hold in" during training camp this summer as he seeks a contract extension. DeFabo believes giving Pickens a big extension would be a mistake when considering some of his antics on the field. Instead of paying Pickens, the Steelers could choose from receivers scheduled to hit free agency in March that includes Tee Higgins, Chris Godwin, Marquise Brown, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, DeAndre Hopkins and Stefon Diggs. In fantasy, Pickens was the WR41 in 2024 with 59 catches for 900 yards and only three touchdowns in 14 games played.