GeorgePickens

News: 4 days agoPickens recorded three receptions on seven targets for 47 yards in Saturday's 30-13 loss to the Colts.

Spin: Pickens got off to a decent start, as he managed a pair of 15-yard receptions on the Steelers' second offensive possession. Despite leading the team in targets, he managed only one additional reception from there and was held under 50 receiving yards for the second consecutive game -- both of which Kenny Pickett (ankle) has missed in full. Pittsburgh is contemplating a change at quarterback for a Week 16 matchup against the Bengals, and if Mason Rudolph takes over under center, that could be positive news for Pickens.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Pickens is one of the top breakout candidates at wide receiver after an up-and-down rookie campaign. The 2022 second-round pick finished 17th at the position in routes but only 48th in targets. Pickens' volume was limited by a vertical-heavy role (his 14.7 aDOT ranked third), but his efficiency was solid (9.5 YPT ranked 11th). Pickens' target volume inexplicably barely changed when Chase Claypool was traded last season (he never cleared six targets in a game after that point), but it figures to increase in his second NFL season. The 22-year-old's downfield role makes him more valuable in non-PPR, but especially if second-year QB Kenny Pickett makes a leap, Pickens has a shot at flex value (or better) in all formats.