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Chris Boswell Hits 54-Yarder In Week 18 Loss
Sunday, January 5, 2025 2:24 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell nailed his only field goal attempt and both of his extra-point tries in a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Boswell's field goal, a 54-yarder, came in crunch time with Pittsburgh down by five points with fewer than three minutes remaining in the contest. Unfortunately, the Steelers were unable to move the ball into field goal range on their final possession to give Boswell an opportunity for a game-winner. The 33-year-old will conclude the most prolific campaign of his career with 41 made field goals and without missing a single extra-point attempt. Boswell can be started as a high-end option in playoff fantasy leagues and DFS contests when the wild-card round begins next weekend.
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Pat Freiermuth Leads Pittsburgh's Pass-Catchers On Saturday
Sunday, January 5, 2025 2:11 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth finished with eight receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets in a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The lone bright spot for Pittsburgh's offense, Freiermuth led the team in all major receiving categories on Saturday night and came down with a 19-yard score in the fourth quarter on a throw by quarterback Russell Wilson. Freiermuth has an excellent track record against the Bengals and again had a strong showing against his division rival. He did, however, drop a pass on 4th and 12 that could have put the Steelers in range to kick a game-winning field goal with just seconds remaining on the clock. Nonetheless, Freiermuth has been rather productive for fantasy lately and will remain a solid starting option next weekend in playoff leagues and DFS contests.
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George Pickens Vanishes In Loss To Cincinnati
Sunday, January 5, 2025 1:59 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens came down with just one of his six targets and finished with zero receiving yards in a Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a night to forget for both Pickens and his fantasy managers. Pickens recorded his only catch of the contest on Pittsburgh's first possession but was unable to gain any yardage on the play. He then proceeded to drop multiple passes from quarterback Russell Wilson while the Steelers attempted to mount a comeback. Pickens has flashed elite fantasy upside but did not establish himself as a reliable WR1 this season. He'll project as a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option next weekend in playoff leagues and DFS contests.
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Jaylen Warren Gets Just Six Touches In Week 18
Sunday, January 5, 2025 1:50 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren logged six carries for 21 yards and failed to haul in his one target in a Week 18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Although neither Warren nor Najee Harris were able to get much going on the ground, the former's lack of usage through the air on Saturday night was a bit puzzling. Harris earned five targets while Warren was held without a reception for the first time this season. His utilization has been inconsistent, but Warren continues to look like the most explosive back in Pittsburgh while demonstrating an ability to break tackles at a high level. The third-year pro will carry some RB2 value in PPR playoff fantasy leagues and DFS contests alike when the wild-card round kicks off next weekend.
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Najee Harris Finds End Zone In Week 18 Loss
Sunday, January 5, 2025 1:41 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris handled 12 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown while adding four receptions for 20 yards in a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Harris briefly exited the contest in the second half to be evaluated for a head injury but was cleared to return. Pittsburgh's offense could not lean on Harris and the ground game on Saturday night while struggling to sustain drives. Still, the 26-year-old salvaged his fantasy performance with some opportunities in the passing game and a one-yard rushing score in the second quarter. It was a successful regular season for Harris, who eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for a fourth consecutive campaign. Although his opponent is yet to be determined, Harris should offer a solid floor for fantasy managers in playoff leagues or DFS contests next weekend.
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Russell Wilson Throws One Touchdown In Loss To Bengals
Sunday, January 5, 2025 1:23 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed 17 of his 31 pass attempts for 148 yards and one touchdown while adding 16 rushing yards on four carries in a 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran was sacked four times and couldn't get into a rhythm through the air with any pass-catcher except tight end Pat Freiermuth, who was on the receiving end of Wilson's 19-yard passing score in the fourth quarter. After going 6-1 through his first seven starts in Pittsburgh, Wilson will enter the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs having lost four straight. He will be difficult to trust in playoff fantasy leagues and DFS contests regardless of the Steelers' opponent next weekend.
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Tony Pollard Likely Good To Go Against Houston
Sunday, January 5, 2025 12:45 AM
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (ankle) is anticipated to suit up on Sunday against the Texans. Pollard has been dealing with an ankle injury for a few weeks. However, it finally kept him off the field for the Week 17 loss to the Jags. Tyjae Spears (concussion) for the start in that one. Unfortunately, Spears suffered a concussion and won't suit up in Week 18. With Pollard expected back in the mix, Julius Chestnut, who had three attempts for 17 yards versus Jacksonville, likely won't see as much action, severely restricting his fantasy potential. But Pollard's outlook isn't as favorable either, with the Texans defense allowing only eight touchdowns to opposing backs this season, one of the best marks in the National Football League.
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Darnell Mooney A "Long-Shot" To Suit Up On Sunday
Sunday, January 5, 2025 12:37 AM
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is "considered a long-shot" to suit up for Sunday's meeting with the Carolina Panthers. The wideout is currently listed as questionable for Week 18. However, Rapoport added that it will be an "uphill battle" for Mooney to get on the field. He has had arguably the best season of his career in 2024-25, totaling 992 yards and five touchdowns off 64 catches. With the Falcons still alive for the postseason, Mooney will be needed. But if he's not out there, Drake London will presumably see more attention from Michael Penix Jr. The same can be said for Kyle Pitts and Ray-Ray McCloud III.
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Zay Flowers Likely Sustains Knee Sprain In Week 18
Sunday, January 5, 2025 12:25 AM
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (knee) likely suffered a knee sprain in Saturday's win over the Cleveland Browns. The 24-year-old wasn't involved long on Saturday night, catching only one pass before his abrupt departure. He'll undergo an MRI to confirm the diagnosis. However, it's believed Flowers didn't suffer a "major injury." The 2023 No. 22 overall pick had a productive regular season, totaling 74 catches for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns, so the team could use him on the field for the Wild-Card round. But if Flowers doesn't suit up, Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews, combining for nine catches for 130 yards and two scores in Week 18, should remain Lamar Jackson's preferred targets. Of course, Derrick Henry will stay involved, potentially seeing a small uptick in carries.
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Andrei Iosivas Has Two Grabs Versus The Steelers
Saturday, January 4, 2025 11:58 PM
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had only two catches for 12 yards in Saturday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The wideout has had the best year since entering the league, totaling a career-high six touchdowns to end the 2024-25 campaign. However, he still hasn't been consistent by any means. With that in mind, Tee Higgins (ankle) future in Cincinnati is up in the air, so there could be room for Iosivas to win the No. 2 job behind Ja'Marr Chase heading into next season. Yet, the front office may finally come to their senses and do what is necessary to retain Higgins, which wouldn't be good for Iosivas' outlook moving forward.
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