Analysis

Pickens set the pace for the Steelers in targets while sharing the team lead in receptions with Pat Freiermuth. The blizzard-like conditions certainly didn't help Pickens' cause and helped lead to his lowest yardage total since Week 5 against the Cowboys. Pickens did extend a streak of recording at least four catches to five games, and he'll draw a more favorable matchup on paper in a Week 13 road matchup against the Bengals on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Analysis

The third-year wideout led Pittsburgh in catches, targets and receiving yards, and the volume was his highest in four games since Russell Wilson took over as the team's starting QB. Pickens has posted a 22-365-2 line on 33 targets over that stretch, putting him on track for a huge finish to the campaign. Pickens will look to keep rolling in Week 12 against the Browns.

Analysis

Pickens continued to show excellent rapport with Russell Wilson, as he now has 276 yards and two touchdowns across Wilson's three starts. His performance Sunday was highlighted by a 16-yard touchdown to conclude Pittsburgh's first offensive possession, and he also tacked on 34- and 24-yard receptions. Plagued by inconsistency to start the season, Pickens has turned into a reliable weekly contributor, and that should be the case once again in Week 11 against the Ravens.

Analysis

Pickens had a potential touchdown reception overturned by replay in the first half, but he still finished as the team's leading receiver while posting his fourth-highest receiving total through eight games. The 23-year-old has shown good rapport with new starting quarterback Russell Wilson, with the duo combining for a 9-185-1 receiving line over Wilson's two starts. Pickens' stock is trending in the right direction as Pittsburgh enters its bye, with the team resuming play against Washington on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Analysis

Pickens produced his best fantasy score of the season in quarterback Russell Wilson's first start for Pittsburgh. The veteran quarterback brought the best out of his top wideout, which should have Pickens' fantasy managers ecstatic about what might lie ahead. The 23-year-old blossomed as a sophomore last season with a 63-1,140-5 receiving line, but he had gotten off to a slow start with mobile quarterback Justin Fields at the helm for the Steelers' first six games. Now that the more accurate Wilson has taken the reigns of the offense, Pickens should see a boost in projections heading into next Monday's tilt against the Giants.

Analysis

Pickens made headlines throughout the week due to perceived discontent over his role in the Pittsburgh offense, though opportunity wasn't an issue in Sunday's win. His eight targets were his second-highest mark of the season, though he did see some tough contested looks and also dropped a potential touchdown late in the game. Pickens has yet to find the end zone and has topped 100 yards only once in six chances, making him a fantasy disappointment through the first six games of the campaign.

Analysis

Pickens still was consistently on the field for three-wide formations, but he took just one of 20 snaps (five percent) in 12 personnel after getting 79 percent of those snaps Weeks 1-4. Smith curiously used 162-pound Calvin Austin and 174-pound Scotty Miller as the 12 personnel wideouts alongside Van Jefferson, which suggests Pickens' lack of playing time may have been related to effort or fatigue avoidance rather than his actual ability as a blocker. Pickens ran half-hearted routes a few times during Sunday's loss, fueling speculation that the Steelers are displeased with his effort and body language. The team may have a point, but what it doesn't have is another legitimate receiving threat out wide. Pickens saw a team-high seven targets Sunday night even with the reduced playing time, and coach Mike Tomlin said after the game that he thought minimizing the wideout's reps might actually help his productivity. None of this is ideal for fantasy managers, but Pickens is still a clear favorite to lead his team in targets during Sunday's game in Las Vegas.

Analysis

Pickens accounted for the only first-half catch by a Steelers wide receiver, as Justin Fields completed only four of nine pass attempts before halftime. Fields was better in the second half, but Pickens remained a near non-factor despite finishing with the team lead in targets. Pickens' yardage totals have fluctuated, but he has yet to score a touchdown heading into a Week 6 road game against the Raiders.

Analysis

Pickens had a disastrous first half that was defined by a lost fumble near the end zone that cost the Steelers points. However, as Pittsburgh attempted to make a frantic comeback in the final two quarters, Pickens showcased his big-play ability with a pair of catches that went for 38 and 37 yards, respectively -- both of which helped set up touchdowns. The only thing missing from the performance was a touchdown, but Pickens dominated targets and illustrated his upside when the team was forced to take to the air more aggressively.