Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 15, 2024, 4:25 ET
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Network: FOX
Writer: Chris Helle (@ChrisHelleQBL on Twitter)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback
Russell Wilson: Streaming Option, QB2
Russell Wilson is now 6-1 since taking over as the starting QB back in Week 7 and is the QB15 in fantasy since that point in the season. Last week against the Browns, he threw for only 158 yards, but his 2 passing TDs salvaged a QB13 finish. Last week is an important data point because it shined a light on what this offense looks like without their key WR, George Pickens. Pickens is not expected to play this week as well, so the lack of production through the air is a major caution flag for this contest on the road against Philly’s stout pass defense. The Steelers already run the ball at the 2nd highest rate in the league (behind Philly) at 51.6%, but last week saw an uptick to 56.5% of plays kept on the ground. Russ has only finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in 3 of his 7 starts, so this matchup should be one to avoid if possible.
Running Back
Najee Harris: FLEX Option, RB3
Jaylen Warren: FLEX Option, RB3
This backfield has alternated between which RB has seen a higher snap share over the last 4 weeks. Najee Harris has maintained holding onto the majority of carries, with 16 or more in each of those games, while Jaylen Warren has failed to reach that mark in any game this season. Warren’s value in fantasy comes more through the air, as he’s had 4 or more targets in each of the last 4 games. The Eagles have the 2nd hardest matchup in terms of EPA/rush and have one of the strongest front 7 in the NFL, so neither RB in this backfield should be expected to have a huge day on the ground. Both backs fall into the FLEX tier for this one and will need to find the end zone to have a respectable day for fantasy.
Wide Receiver
Calvin Austin: FLEX Option, WR4
Mike Williams: Sit
Van Jefferson: Sit
The team has indicated that George Pickens is unlikely to play with the hamstring issue that popped up last week. Unfortunately, for the remainder of these pass catchers, none of them emerged as a go-to guy for Wilson against the Browns. The team elected to keep the majority of work on the ground, and each of Calvin Austin, Mike Williams, and even Scotty Miller saw 4 targets. Van Jefferson’s lone target was caught in the end zone, so it was a meaningful one but nothing to rely upon for fantasy. If there’s any WR to consider for a dart through, it would be Austin — but Philly’s pass defense has shut down some of the biggest name WRs in the league and is a scary matchup, even with the potential opportunities thrown their way.
Tight End
Pat Freiermuth: Streaming Option, high-end TE2
Pat Freiermuth has now gone 2 straight games as a top-6 TE in fantasy, with touchdowns in each of those games. Before assuming he’s a beneficiary of Pickens’ absence, keep in mind he only saw 3 targets last week. His saving grace is that he’s seen just as many red zone targets as Pickens since week 10, and those two are tied for the most red zone targets on the team since then. With that trend being validated last week, he could have a good chance at keeping his TD streak alive if the team gets down the field.
Philadelphia Eagles
Quarterback
Jalen Hurts: Start, low-end QB1
Jalen Hurts is the QB4 on the season, but it’s worth noting that he’s been on a bit of a skid over the last month. He had three straight weeks as the QB15 or QB16 before bouncing back to a QB4 finish last week against the Panthers. With that said, it’s reassuring he was somehow able to scrape together a 24-point game despite throwing for only 108 yards. He’s found the end zone on the ground at least once in 7 of his last 8 games and has only thrown 1 interception over the last 9 weeks. The Steelers’ pass rushers have allowed the lowest rate of scrambles in the NFL, but Hurts has shown time and again to avoid negative plays or taking hits by simply throwing the ball out of bounds or sliding. Philly throws the ball at the lowest rate in the league, but that hasn’t been a hindrance to Hurts’ production throughout the season.
Running Back
Saquon Barkley: Start, RB1
Kenneth Gainwell: Sit
Saquon Barkley is a set-and-forget asset as the RB1 and 4th highest-scoring player in fantasy across all positions. He’s probably the most talented RB in the NFL, a bellcow for the highest rushing offense in the league, and runs behind one of the best offensive lines. He’s seen no fewer than 20 carries in 6 of his last 7 games and went for over 100 yards in each of those contests. This week will be a bit more of a test as the Steelers are tied for the 6th fewest rush yards per carry allowed, but there’s a 0% chance you’re taking him out of your lineup. A tough matchup means nothing to his playmaking ability and, if anything, may result in him seeing work in more unique ways than simple inside zones and power. Granted, this game should be a close matchup, but expect Saquon to continue dominating the snaps and carries, so Kenneth Gainwell is far from startable.
Wide Receiver
A.J. Brown: Start, WR2
DeVonta Smith: FLEX Option, WR4
Jahan Dotson: Sit
Managers of A.J. Brown are put in a tough position this week, especially with fantasy playoffs on the line. The media around him being upset with his target share can be put to rest as he clarified his response to the question “what area could improve” with “passing” was not directed at Hurts. It was a one-word response, but an accurate one. Hurts hasn’t thrown for even 250 yards in 8 weeks. Despite being one of the better pass catchers in the league, Brown has finished as a top-15 WR once in the last 7 games. The best thing for Brown would be for this game to be close and competitive (and by all means, it should be). His best games came against the Packers, Browns, and Rams. Some would speculate that he’s due for some “squeaky wheel treatment,” but realistically, Philly will likely stick to the formula that’s won them their last 9 games and resort to throwing more if necessary. DeVonta Smith found the end zone last week to salvage what otherwise would have been a very disappointing day, so he comes in as a less reliable but high-upside option in this one.
Tight End
Grant Calcaterra: Sit
Grant Calcaterra caught his first TD of the season last week and is a serviceable replacement for Dallas Goedert. However, the limited production from this passing offense makes him a risky starter week-to-week, and this matchup isn’t one to target if you’re scouring the waiver wire.