Week 16 Fantasy Football Recap: Heyward Is A High Riser
The Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff fate will be decided in the next two weeks, starting with a crucial Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. In the fantasy football world, several players on the roster saw their stock rise following their big win at home against the Las Vegas Raiders, on the 50th anniversary of the late Franco Harris's "Immaculate Reception" play.
One player who is consistently rising in value is veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward. In their win over the Raiders, Heyward was arguably their most valuable player, finishing with 7 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, a pass deflection, and two quarterback hits. Per fantasypros.com, Heyward rose seven spots to No. 13 among defensive linemen with 149.7 fantasy points.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith, who scored his 12th touchdown of the season against the Raiders, is still ranked 37th among linebackers with 157.8 points; meanwhile, All-Pro linebacker TJ Watt moved up one spot to No. 73 with 93.1 fantasy points despite failing to record a sack against the Raiders.
Within the Steelers secondary, Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick had a strong game against the Raiders, registering two tackles and an interception. Though he did not make any moves up the charts, Fitzpatrick still stands strong at No. 22 among defensive backs with 141.7 fantasy points. The hero of their Week 16 was cornerback Cam Sutton, who finished with three tackles, two passes defensed, and the game-winning interception. Despite his heroics, he made a small move up to 102 among defensive backs with 91.9 fantasy points.
On offense, tight end Pat Freiermuth was his usual, reliable self, finishing with seven receptions for 66 yards, played a major role in the Steelers' game-winning touchdown drive. For much of the season, he has been ranked among the top fantasy point producers at his position. He is currently ranked eighth among tight ends following his performance on Sunday night. Rookie Kenny Pickett, who engineered the game-winning drive, finishing with 244 passing yards and a touchdown. He is now ranked 28th among quarterbacks with 134.2 fantasy points.
For the running backs, Najee Harris stands at the No. 15 spot with 151.2 fantasy points after registering 53 rushing yards on 16 carries. Backup Jaylen Warren moved down one spot to No. 57 among running backs with 51.2 fantasy points.
Among wide receivers, rookie George Pickens moved up five spots to the 35th spot with 93.1 fantasy points after registering 57 yards on five receptions and the game-winning touchdown. Lastly, Diontae Johnson, who finished the game with 64 receiving yards, still stands at No. 43 with 85.4 fantasy points.
Steelers To Start In Week 17
Defense
DL Cam Heyward
S Minkah Fitzpatrick
LB Alex Highsmith
LB Devin Bush Jr.
CB Cam Sutton
Offense
QB Kenny Pickett
TE Pat Freiermuth
WR Diontae Johnson
WR George Pickens
RB Najee Harris