The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has been anything but good in 2024, and that has had a negative impact on the fantasy football values of wide receiver George Pickens and running back Najee Harris.
Fresh off his best game of the season, Pickens was not good in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Georgia product reeled in three catches for 26 yards on seven targets.
Harris wasn't too much better. He tallied two catches and 75 scrimmage yards in total, and his scoreless streak was extended another game in what was his latest disappointing outing.
With so many concerns about both players — and especially Pickens — should either be in fantasy football lineups in Week 6 when the Steelers take on the Las Vegas Raiders? Here's what we think.
Fantasy Football Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Week 6: George Pickens
Not only did a disgruntled Pickens have a rough week in terms of production, he also saw a significant drop in snaps against the Cowboys, with Pickens playing a career-low 34.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said it was not a punishment, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith added that it was part of the game plan. Whatever the case may be, Pittsburgh not giving Pickens a full complement of snaps is a baffling decision because of how thin they are at the position already.
Another negative for Pickens this week is the fact that he draws a matchup against a Las Vegas defense that is giving up the 12th-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. The Raiders also have two good cornerbacks in Jack Jones and Jakorian Bennett, the latter of whom is having a huge bounce-back year.
You may not have a choice but to start Pickens if you've been hit by the injury bug or bye-week blues, but ideally he stays on your bench in Week 6.
Verdict: Sit 'Em
Fantasy Football Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Week 6: Najee Harris
We're five weeks in and Najee Harris has yet to score a touchdown. Combined with lackluster yardage production, he's anything but an every-week starting option.
That said, we're running him out there again this week. The Raiders are giving up the 11th-most rushing yards per game and the ninth-most fantasy points per contest to the position.
Las Vegas has also been very giving to running backs in the passing game, ceding the fifth-most receptions and 10th-most receiving yards, so Harris has another avenue to turn in a good performance if he doesn't score.
As if all that wasn't enough, the Raiders are missing a huge piece of their interior with Christian Wilkins on injured reserve. There's enough meat on the bone to give Najee another shot this week, especially with four teams on bye.
Verdict: Start 'Em
