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Remember me? Steelers' George Pickens claims not to know Browns CB

Fri Dec 6 4:06pm ET
Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens and Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome meet again Sunday when the AFC North rivals square off for the second time in three weeks, a rematch of Cleveland's 24-19 victory on a snow globe of a Thursday night Nov. 21.

Somehow it still feels like the first time to Pickens.

The mercurial Steelers wideout was physically entangled with Newsome when Russell Wilson's final pass landed without Pickens noticing. He slammed Newsome into the wall framing the field as the final seconds of the loss ticked off the clock.

"I don't even know who that is," Pickens said Friday when asked if he'd talk to Newsome to clear the air from their fracas, which ended with stadium security in Cleveland separating them.

After that game, Newsome said Pickens was a "fake tough guy," and Pickens said the Browns "are not a good team at all," crediting their win to snowy, slippery conditions in the second half.

The division rivals meet twice each season and when Cleveland came to Pittsburgh last season, Pickens caught four passes for 127 yards and a 71-yard touchdown. He had four for 48 in the Nov. 21 loss.

Last week, Pickens, 23, was flagged twice for unsportsmanlike conduct, prompting head coach Mike Tomlin to say Pickens must "grow up in a hurry."

"He's just got to grow up, man," Tomlin said last Sunday. "This emotional game, man, these divisional games are big. He got a target on his back because he's George. He understands that, but he's got to grow up."

Newsome was informed after practice Friday that Pickens claimed not to know him and took the high road for now.

"I'm all about the team. Obviously he's a guy that cares more about himself, and you can see that in the penalties he causes," Newsome said. "For me, my job is to try and do whatever I can to help the team win. There's never going to be no one-on-one battle for me. My battle is to try and help my team get the win.

"He does that type of stuff all the time. There will never be a man that could fuel me in any type of way."

Pickens has a team-high 55 receptions (90 targets) for 850 yards and three touchdowns in 2024.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Kyler Murray Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Kyler Murray

The Seattle Seahawks defense/special teams has come back to life over the last three weeks. After holding the San Francisco 49ers to just 17 points in Week 11, they proceeded to score a touchdown in both Weeks 12 and 13. The defensive turnaround coincides with Seattle's bye week. It appears that this team made significant adjustments that have them playing much better of late. Their Week 14 foe is the Arizona Cardinals. This unit scored 19 fantasy points against Arizona in Week 12. The question is which Cardinals team will show up on Sunday? Most importantly, which version of quarterback Kyler Murray will the Seahawks face? Murray has been highly volatile this season. He is either spot on, or he looks like a young quarterback in over his head. He certainly looked that way in Week 12. If Seattle can continue to generate pressure (9 sacks over the last three weeks) and force turnovers (four forced turnovers over the last three weeks) then this is a unit you can start in Week 14. Tread lightly as the Cardinals can turn things on at any moment. However, with defenses such as the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos on a bye in Week 14, you could do worse than the Seahawks D/ST.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett does not deserve a spot in your lineup and possibly even on your roster in Week 14. The Seahawks will travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals. Lockett has had some huge games in Arizona in the past, but the No. 2 wide receiver role in Seattle's offense has shifted to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Lockett has not earned more than four targets since Week 7, and he has not exceeded three receptions during that same span. With fellow wide receiver DK Metcalf (shoulder) off the injury report, this will be the Metcalf and Smith-Njigba show once again. Lockett will be a chain mover on a couple of important plays in this game. However, he will be more important to the Seahawks' success than that of your fantasy team.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle/calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Walker opened the week as a limited participant but was then downgraded to a non-participant on Thursday. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to the Michigan State product's status over the weekend, as he may end up being a game-time decision. Walker has seen a slight dip in production, averaging just 48.0 rushing yards per game over the past three weeks. If Walker cannot play, fantasy managers should view Zach Charbonnet as a high-end RB2 as he will likely operate as the workhorse option against an Arizona rush defense that has allowed the 14th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Dec 6 3:10pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet suddenly finds himself in a potential starting position in Week 14 when Seattle travels to Arizona to play the Cardinals. With starting running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle/calf) experiencing a mid-week downgrade from limited participant to DNP in practice, his status for this weekend is up in the air. Charbonnet was an RB2 in games Walker missed earlier this season. He is always a solid bet to score a goal line touchdown, and he is a solid pass catcher. His volume should be massive if Walker misses given the Seahawks' attempt as well to reestablish the running game over the last few weeks. If Walker plays, Charbonnet will fall right back into his usual backup role. Even if Walker is limited, Charbonnet likely does not merit much starting consideration in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 6 3:00pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (back, hip) is officially listed as questionable for the Week 14 contest this Sunday against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. Irving missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday but returned to a limited session on Friday, giving him a chance to play this weekend. Fantasy managers will want to check back on the impressive 22-year-old's status on Sunday morning. If he's active, Irving needs to be in all starting fantasy lineups in a plus matchup against the two-win Raiders as Tampa's most explosive and productive back in 2024. If Irving is held out, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker would split the backfield work on Sunday, with White having clear RB2 upside for fantasy managers. Irving has found the end zone six times on the ground in his first 12 NFL games and is averaging a strong 5.5 yards per carry on 133 rushing attempts in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Dec 6 3:00pm CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba looks like he may be the Seahawks' best fantasy option at wide receiver once again in Week 14. Smith-Njigba has been on a tear lately that has him sitting at WR9 on the season. He has not recorded less than 69 receiving yards since Week 7, and he has already matched his rookie season touchdown total of four. If Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith could increase his touchdown output, Smith-Njigba would be unstoppable in fantasy. The Seahawks will travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals in Week 14. The Cardinals are No. 17 against opposing wide receivers in fantasy. While they are not a pushover defense, they should not scare anyone. The last time these teams met, Seattle only scored 16 points. However, Smith-Njigba caught six passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. He should be able to match that output in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Jason Myers Dec 6 3:00pm CT
Jason Myers

Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers has been volatile all season. However, he is a possible fantasy play with six teams on bye in Week 14. Myers' issue this season is that he has not kicked a lot of field goals. He has hit 85% of his attempts but he only has 20 attempts on the season. The Cardinals and Seahawks were locked in a defensive slugfest the last time they met in Week 12. That could bode well for Myers if Seattle's drives stall in the red zone. Myers had a solid outing in Week 13 against the New York Jets in the swirling winds of MetLife Stadium. He will likely welcome the climate-controlled environment in Arizona's stadium. If you need a kicker to start this week, then Myers has a decent floor.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Higbee Dec 6 2:40pm CT
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that tight end Tyler Higbee (knee) will not be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list in order to make his 2024 debut in Week 14 against the visiting Buffalo Bills this Sunday. Higbee tore his ACL and MCL in a playoff game in January and hasn't been able to play at all yet this year, however, he has been practicing in full since last Friday and could be a candidate to make his season debut for a huge divisional clash against the San Francisco 49ers next Thursday night. However, even if the 31-year-old veteran makes his return next week against San Fran, we'd expect the Rams to play it safe and limit his reps alongside TEs Davis Allen and Colby Parkinson. Allen and Parkins have pretty much formed a TE committee in LA this year with Higbee out, making them impossible to trust in standard-sized fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Dec 6 2:30pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

The Buffalo Bills have listed tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) as questionable to suit up this Sunday on the road against the Rams in Los Angeles. Kincaid suffered a knee injury in the Week 10 win over the Indianapolis Colts and hasn't played since. The 25-year-old second-year player hadn't practiced until this week, though, signaling that he has a much better shot to suit up this weekend. Kincaid was officially limited in all three practices this week. The Bills don't kick off against the Rams until the late-afternoon window on Sunday, making Kincaid a more difficult call for starting fantasy lineups in Week 14. Although he's been a disappointment in his sophomore season in 2024, Kincaid should at least be on the map as a low-end TE1 in fantasy if he's active against the Rams. If he misses a third straight game, Dawson Knox will once again have TE1 upside.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Dec 6 2:30pm CT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) suffered a new injury in practice this week and was listed as limited on Friday. As a result, the Steelers designated him as questionable to play in a divisional battle this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14. This one came out of nowhere, so fantasy managers may have to adjust last minute with the 23-year-old wideout, who has become much more interesting in fantasy since quarterback Russell Wilson took over the offense from Justin Fields. Since Week 10, Pickens has caught 20 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns on 32 targets, but fantasy managers may be forced to move him to their bench this weekend. If Pickens doesn't get cleared to play on Sunday, Calvin Austin III would likely operate as Pittsburgh's WR1, with Van Jefferson and tight end Pat Freiermuth also seeing increased roles in the passing game.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Dec 6 2:20pm CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (quadriceps) has been ruled questionable to play this weekend against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Week 14. After missing the first two practices of the week, Swift practiced in limited fashion on Friday, at least giving himself a chance to play this weekend. The Bears' backfield could be dangerously thin on Sunday if Swift is out or limited, as Roschon Johnson (concussion) has already been ruled out. If Swift cannot get cleared by Sunday afternoon, Travis Homer would be in line to lead Chicago's backfield in touches, with Darrynton Evans likely being brought up from the practice squad to serve in a backup role. If Swift is cleared to suit up against the Niners, fantasy managers will want him in their lineups as an RB2. In 12 games for the Bears in 2024, Swift is averaging 12.4 half-PPR points, making him the RB23 with five total touchdowns scored.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Dec 6 2:20pm CT
Keon Coleman

The Buffalo Bills have listed rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman (wrist) as questionable to make his return in Week 14 versus the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Coleman was limited in all three practices this week for the second week in a row, but the Bills are still uncertain if they want to throw the rookie back out there. Making things more difficult for fantasy managers considering starting the 21 year-old is the fact that the Bills don't play on Sunday until the late-afternoon window on the west coast in LA. Coleman has been a big part of Buffalo's passing attack in his first NFL season when healthy, but he hasn't played since Week 9 and could see limited snaps if he does return, making him an even more risky WR4/flex play this weekend. If Coleman misses yet another game, veteran Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins will continue to battle for bigger roles behind Amari Cooper and Khalil Shakir.

From RotoBaller

Mecole Hardman Dec 6 2:10pm CT
Mecole Hardman

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee) suffered an injury on Friday which puts him in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hardman reportedly had his knee lock up on him before Friday's practice. The 26-year-old now appears to be questionable ahead of this weekend's contest. His absence doesn't mean too much for this offense considering Hardman hasn't recorded a reception since Week 11. Although, Hardman is an excellent member on special teams, so his absence would certainly hurt there.

From RotoBaller

Roschon Johnson Dec 6 2:10pm CT
Roschon Johnson

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 14 on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. In addition to Johnson, lead running back D'Andre Swift (quadriceps) is questionable to play this weekend, meaning third-string back Travis Homer could be forced into lead-back duties at Levis Stadium on Sunday if Swift is also unable to go. Even if Swift is active on Sunday, expect the Bears to bring Darrynton Evans up from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster to give the team more depth at the position with Johnson still concussed. Johnson suffered a concussion in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions last Thursday and will now try to clear the league's concussion protocol in time for another divisional clash in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Dec 6 2:10pm CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (quadriceps) is officially listed as questionable for the Week 14 game this Sunday on the road in San Francisco against the 49ers. The good news is that Moore was able to get back on the practice field on a limited basis on Friday after not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday, but his availability for this weekend remains up in the air. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Keenan Allen (ankle) practiced in full on Friday and was removed from the final Week 14 injury report after missing Wednesday's practice. Making things more difficult for fantasy managers that have Moore rostered is the fact that Chicago's game comes in the late-afternoon window this Sunday. If Moore doesn't get the green light to suit up against San Fran, both Allen and rookie Rome Odunze, in addition to tight end Cole Kmet would have higher fantasy ceilings.

From RotoBaller

Cedric Tillman Dec 6 2:00pm CT
Cedric Tillman

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tillman suffered a concussion in Week 12 and it appears that he's still dealing with the symptoms. As a result, Tillman will miss his second straight game, but will hopefully be back in the mix next week. Both Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore will see increased fantasy value with Tillman out for at least one more game. Moore saw 14 targets last week as he hauled in eight of them for 111 yards in the loss to the Denver Broncos. Jeudy went for over 230 yards during that game, so both players should be fine options for Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Dec 6 1:50pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (hip) is currently considered questionable ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Nabers was limited in practice on Thursday after suffering a hip flexor injury. As a result, Nabers sat out of Friday's practice session. It sounds like the team is taking it day-by-day, so fantasy managers might have to wait until closer on Sunday for more information on his status. The absence of Nabers would make Darius Slayton a much more appealing streaming option. Both Wan'Dale Robinson and Slayton would have flex appeal if Nabers is forced to sit out.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Dec 6 1:40pm CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals second-year wide receiver Michael Wilson should be viewed as a risky streaming option in Week 14 in the Cardinals' home matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson has quietly become a rosterable player in fantasy football, but he is still lacking some consistency. Wilson is solidified as the Cardinals' second wide receiver but falls behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride in the target hierarchy. Wilson made a couple of big plays in the Cardinals' last matchup against the Seahawks and has been thriving off a lack of attention from opposing defenses. Until Wilson establishes better consistency, he remains a streaming flex option and should be viewed as a risky choice in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Dec 6 1:40pm CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) has been activated off the injured reserve on Friday. Lazard has been sidelined since suffering a chest injury ahead of Week 8. Before that, Lazard had 30 receptions for 412 yards and five touchdowns in seven games. The expectation is that Lazard will see a dip in production now with Davante Adams fully in the mix. Lazard will now slide in as the third option behind Adams and Garrett Wilson in this offense. The 28-year-old should be considered a low-end flex option for the Week 14 matchup with the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Dec 6 1:40pm CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride should be viewed as a high-end TE1 in Week 14 when the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks. McBride is on a hot streak right now, posting back-to-back weeks with 12 receptions. He is the focal point of the Cardinals' passing game and has produced regardless of matchup. The only downside to McBride's season has been a lack of touchdown production. However, his target share and usage are high enough to still make him a top-three tight end in fantasy. McBride is a no-doubt starting tight end in fantasy and should be viewed that way for the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller