Who Should I Start? Pat Freiermuth or Darnell Washington

Saturday, December 27, 10:07 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth could be in line for an expanded role in Week 17. Following wide receiver D.K. Metcalf's two-game suspension for punching a fan, Freiermuth could see more work in the passing game. In his last four games, the 27-year-old has garnered 12 targets in the Steelers' passing attack. It is worth noting that Freiermuth has had big fantasy performances in the past, including a Week 7 outing this season when he went over 100 receiving yards and scored twice. With Metcalf out, the Steelers' passing attack is left without its greatest red zone weapon, and Freiermuth could be the biggest beneficiary. Entering Week 17, Wilson and the Steelers will face a Miami Dolphins defense that has allowed the 10th-most receiving touchdowns this season. Freiermuth will be a touchdown-dependent tight end in Week 17, but he has a better chance to find the end zone than usual.

Friday, December 26, 9:12 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington has logged three receptions in each of his past two games and could be in line for additional opportunities against the division-rival Cleveland Browns in Week 17. Cleveland, while stingy against opposing wideouts, has been middle-of-the-road against tight ends this season. Back in Week 6, when the Steelers last faced the Browns, Washington took the field for 80% of offensive snaps and racked up 62 receiving yards. Pittsburgh will be without suspended receiver DK Metcalf on Sunday and, depending on the outcome of the Baltimore Ravens' game on Saturday, could choose to rest additional starters. Furthermore, Calvin Austin III (hamstring) has already been ruled out. Assuming Washington is active, he could be an important piece of the Steelers' passing attack. This makes him an intriguing streaming option in deeper fantasy formats, but Washington can remain on waiver wires in most redraft leagues.