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17 hours ago
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The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day in Week 17, as Mike Tomlin's squad will look to get back in the win column and end their two-game winning streak. If the Steelers want to notch a crucial Christmas victory over the defending champions on Wednesday, they'll need the offense to step up, primarily wide receiver George Pickens, running back Najee Harris, and quarterback Russell Wilson.
Pickens will make his return to the lineup in Week 17 after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury. Pittsburgh's offense has been extremely lackluster during Pickens' absence.
Harris was efficient last week versus the Baltimore Ravens, but the 26-year-old only received nine carries and totaled just 42 rushing yards. Wilson has struggled without his No.1 receiver in Pickens, as the veteran signal-caller had turnovers in Week 16 against the Ravens but also had two touchdown passes.
Pickens, Harris, and Wilson will need to turn in productive performances if the Steelers want to tally victory No.11, but are they viable options to start in your lineup in Week 17? Let's discuss.
Fantasy football start or sit Week 17: George Pickens
Assuming Pickens isn't on a snap count, the 2022 second-round pick is in for a big day. Though Kansas City is allowing the ninth fewest points to receivers this season (18.87), Pickens is the engine of Pittsburgh's passing attack and was the WR11 in PPR from Week 10 to Week 13.
The Chiefs' secondary is one of the better units in the league, but Pickens has been incredibly consistent this season and should start in your lineup in Week 17, ideally as a WR2.
Verdict: Start
Fantasy football start or sit Week 17: Najee Harris
Harris has been ineffective over the last few weeks, as the former Alabama standout hasn't had a 100-yard game since Week 9 and hasn't scored a touchdown in the past two games. Harris ranks as the RB36 in PRR since Week 14 and hasn't even been the most productive Steelers running back in that span, as Jaylen Warren came in as the RB34 in PPR since Week 14.
To make things worse, the Chiefs' run defense is stout. Kansas City is allowing just 91.4 rushing yards per game and is allowing just four yards per carry, both ranking in the top five fewest in the NFL. Additionally, the Chiefs surrender the least amount of points to running backs per game (11.2).
The odds are stacked against Harris in Week 17, and we just can't see a reason to start the former first-round pick this week.
Verdict: Sit
Fantasy football start or sit Week 17: Russell Wilson
Wilson has cooled down after a fantastic start to his Steelers' tenure, but with Pickens back in the lineup, his outlook completely changes. The nine-time Pro Bowler ranked as the QB16 in PPR from Week 10 to Week 13 and flourished when Pickens was in the lineup.
Though Wilson will likely post solid passing numbers in Week 17, the veteran still has a low ceiling due to his inability to total significant rushing numbers. But the veteran is a completely different signal caller when George Pickens is in the lineup, so start Russell Wilson on Christmas Day.
Verdict: Start
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