All Stats Courtesy Of fantasypros.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense had a great start to the post-Matt Canada era as they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12 and had their first 400-yard+ game in more than three seasons. A number of players saw an increase in their fantasy value as a result of this performance, and in the future weeks, they could see significant gain.
- Offense -
Pat Freiermuth, the tight end, was perhaps the biggest offensive standout for the Steelers on Sunday. Following a disappointing season overall, Freiermuth turned in the finest performance of his NFL career, averaging 13.3 yards per reception on 120 excellent receptions for 120 yards. With 30.0 fantasy points, Freiermuth moved up 10 spots to No. 29 among tight ends as a result of his play. He is a player who will rise swiftly based on his performance on the field.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett, who finished the game with 278 passing yards and a 72.7 completion percentage, moved up 12 spots to No. 27 among quarterbacks with 111.1 fantasy points.
After a slow start, receiver George Pickens picked it up with big receptions in the second half, finishing with 58 yards on three receptions. Even with this, he moved down a spot to No. 30 among receivers with 85.7 fantasy points. For Diontae Johnson, it was a rollercoaster-type game filled with missed opportunities and some good moments. Despite finishing with just 50 receiving yards, he managed to move up two spots to No. 68 (44.5 fantasy points).
Najee Harris was the star of the show on the ground, amassing 99 running yards on 15 carries in addition to a rushing touchdown. Harris jumped up to the 26th position among running backs with 95.4 fantasy points.
- Defense -
All-Pro T.J. Watt made life miserable for the Bengals offense and registered yet another multi-sack game and a forced fumble. For another spectacular performance, Watt moved up five spots to No. 4 among linebackers with 182.2 fantasy points. It is only a matter of time before he takes over that No. 1 spot.
Alex Highsmith, his teammate, finished with just one tackle and was quite quiet. He now sits at No. 56 with 97.0 fantasy points, down 13 spots from his previous position. Nick Herbig, a rookie, was one player who did not keep silent. He had a sack and a tackle for loss in Sunday's victory over the Bengals. Herbig gained 30.9 fantasy points and rose to No. 112 as a result of his efforts.
A name that is quickly rising is safety Trenton Thompson. Since being inserted in the lineup, he has become a revelation for the Steelers defense. In yesterday's game, he had an interception that changed the momentum of the game, along with five tackles and a pass defended. For his performance, Thompson moved to No. 216 among defensive backs with 25.3 fantasy points. Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. had the clamps on star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, relegating him to two receptions for 36 yards when assigned to him. This week, Porter Jr. moved down three spots to No. 150 with 53.5 fantasy points. Defensive back Damontae Kazee moves to the 65th spot with 86.5 fantasy points after registering five tackles and a pass defensed.
Lastly, veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward returned to his old form with a performance that included a sack and four tackles. With his value increasing each week, Heyward jumps up 28 spots to No. 137 among defensive linemen with 38.1 fantasy points.
Week 13 Steelers Fantasy Stock
- Buy -
TE Pat Freiermuth
RB Najee Harris
LB T.J. Watt
DL Cam Heyward
- Sell -
WR Diontae Johnson
WR George Pickens
LB Alex Highsmith
CB Patrick Peterson