QB Russell Wilson feeling 'revived' with Steelers

Tue Jun 11 10:12pm ET
Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson feels as if he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.

After two underwhelming seasons with the Denver Broncos, Wilson has found new life with the Steelers, who signed the 35-year-old veteran to a one-year deal in March.

"Man, I feel the fountain of youth," Wilson said following the Steelers' first mandatory minicamp practice on Tuesday. "I feel revived in every way, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I feel confident. I think at some point you have to know who you are as a player, as a man, as a competitor.

"As somebody who's been fortunate to be able to play this game, I don't doubt it. I trust it. I felt really good last year playing. I felt really confident in the midst of everything. And so I think right now I have all that confidence times 10."

Wilson had signed a five-year, $245 million extension with Denver in September 2022, months after being traded by the Seattle Seahawks. He only ended up playing two years of that deal before being released by the Broncos, who still owed him $85 million at the time.

Wilson went 11-19 as the Broncos' starter, throwing for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

Pittsburgh revamped its quarterback room in the offseason, trading for Justin Fields and signing Wilson, six-year veteran Kyle Allen and undrafted rookie free agent John Rhys Plumlee.

However, as it stands right now, the starting job is Wilson's to lose.

"Russ is in the pole position," Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said. "It's a competition. Obviously, we get to (training camp), I'm sure things will heat up, but both (Wilson and Fields) knew that, however they were acquired, and they got here and I think it's been pretty transparent."

Prior to his stint with Denver, Wilson spent his first 10 NFL seasons with the Seahawks, winning one Super Bowl and getting to another. He has thrown for 43,653 yards and 334 TDs against 106 picks in 188 career games.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 12

Player Notes
Dallas Goedert Nov 21 9:30pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert couldn't get it going against the Lions, managing just two catches for 24 yards on five targets. After a couple troubling performances in a row, the question for Goedert boils down to this: have his scoring opportunities dried up, or is he due? He'll look to get out of his rough patch this Sunday as he travels to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in a rematch of the season opener. Last time he played his division rivals, Goedert recorded seven catches, which is the second-most he's had in a game this year. After showing promise against this opponent already-even without finding the end zone-bet on him to have another solid outing. He's a low-end TE1 in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Jake Elliott Nov 21 9:30pm CT
Jake Elliott

Philadelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott had his most made field goals in a game so far this season last week against the Lions, nailing three-of-three and adding on an extra point for a perfect game. His longest make came from 49 yards out, so his performance didn't translate to a ton of fantasy points, but it was certainly nothing to scoff at (especially when compared to his previous point totals). This week, Elliott will kick against the Cowboys, who allow the second-most points per game (29.3) to opposing offenses in the league and give up the second-most fantasy points to kickers. For managers who stream kickers, Elliott is a solid option in Week 12, but don't be surprised if he gets back to his usual ways and has an underwhelming showing.

From RotoBaller

Saquon Barkley Nov 21 9:20pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley set his season high for attempts last week against the Lions, carrying the ball 26 times for 83 yards. Given the opportunities, it wasn't a very productive game for Barkley and he'll try to turn things around this weekend against the Cowboys. One of his four rushing touchdowns this season came against Dallas in Week 1-a game where he also accounted for four catches and 84 total yards. The Cowboys have had trouble stopping the run this year, allowing 11 touchdowns through 10 games as well as giving up an average of 131.4 yards on the ground in those contests. They also allow the fifth-most fantasy points to RBs. The Eagles clearly trust Barkley to handle heavy workloads at this point in the season, giving him 62 rush attempts over the last three games, which should make managers optimistic about possible boom performances going forward. Consider him a solid RB1 in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Nov 21 9:20pm CT
Tank Bigsby

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby was the only backup RB to record any stats for his team last week, getting four carries for 34 yards versus Detroit. At this point, it's a complete toss-up on who plays second fiddle to Saquon Barkley in the Philly backfield. Bigsby has shown promise with the time on the field he's gotten, but next week it could be Will Shipley's number getting called. It doesn't seem like a good idea to have any Eagles back rostered in fantasy outside of Barkley, and if he does go down, it might just be a mad scramble to the waiver wire until it becomes clear who the true replacement would be.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Nov 21 9:20pm CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown led his team in targets by a landslide last week, being thrown to 11 times while the next closest (Dallas Goedert and DeVonta Smith) had just five looks. Unfortunately, Brown's longest catch was for 12 yards and he totaled a mediocre 49 on the night. His seven catches made it a satisfactory evening for PPR formats, but this outing against the Lions continues Brown's theme of the season-getting plenty of passes but not tons of production to show for it. Luckily, his upcoming game is against a Cowboys defense that allows the third-most fantasy points to WRs this season. It's a prime opportunity to bounce back for Brown after he mustered only one catch in his previous meeting with Dallas. Jalen Hurts clearly still trusts him as a first option, and it's unlikely he'll disappoint twice against such an enticing matchup. Consider Brown a low-end WR2 in Week 12.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Nov 21 9:20pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith could only haul in one of his five targets last week against Detroit, finishing with a season-worst eight yards. It's safe to say it can't get much worse than this for Smith, and a peak could be following this valley with his upcoming face-off against the Cowboys. Dallas has allowed 23 touchdowns through the air in their 10 games, which is the second-most in the league. They've also given up over 250 passing yards in a game five times. Smith did struggle in his first bout against the Cowboys-with his 16 yards being his previous season-low before last Sunday's Lions game-but trust him to get back into the groove he was in over the last few weeks. He's a low-end WR2 this week.

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Darius Cooper Nov 21 9:20pm CT
Darius Cooper

Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Darius Cooper last week logged his lowest snap count since returning from injury, getting on the field for just three plays against the Detroit Lions. Now past the halfway mark of the season, it's seeming more and more likely that Cooper will not see any catches before the 2025 campaign has ended. Even when the receivers above him on the depth chart have been sidelined or had rough games, Cooper has not gotten his opportunities. He should continue to be left off of fantasy rosters as Philly faces the Cowboys this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Hurts Nov 21 9:10pm CT
Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had another one-touchdown outing last week against the Lions, making for back-to-back underwhelming fantasy performances. Philly's offense has struggled overall in their last couple of games, but their woes should come to an end this Sunday as they have their second meeting with the Cowboys. Dallas gives up the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season and allows the third-most passing yards per game (249.9) in the NFL. But back in Week 1, it was Hurts' run game that really impressed. He opened the season against his division rivals with 62 yards and two scores on the ground, but managed just 152 passing yards. As the Eagles look to hang onto the top seed in the NFC, Hurts is a must-start QB1 in a very favorable matchup.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Nov 21 8:50pm CT
Tank Bigsby

Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby hasn't been able to make much of an impact on the field this season. In Week 8, Bigsby rushed for 104 yards on nine yards, but outside of that Bigsby has been a non-factor. The 23-year-old has seen seven carries over the last two weeks as the primary back to Saquon Barkley. The expectation is that Bigsby is going to continue having a minimal role in the offense as long as Barkley is healthy. Bigsby could be worth stashing in deep leagues because if something happens to Barkley he'll likely have a larger role. Outside of that, Bigsby can be ignored while Barkley is healthy.

From RotoBaller

KaVontae Turpin Nov 21 8:40pm CT
KaVontae Turpin

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin hasn't done much in the receiving game over the last few weeks. Turpin has been held to two receptions or fewer in four straight games. Last week, Turpin hauled in one of his two targets for zero yards in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders. At this point, Turpin has fallen too far down on the depth chart to be a weekly asset. Right now, CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are looking like the only reliable wideouts on this roster. Turpin is a helpful special teams player, but isn't someone that is going to help in fantasy leagues right now.

From RotoBaller

Terrell Jennings Nov 21 8:30pm CT
Terrell Jennings

New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings has been a non-factor in the offense in recent weeks. Jennings only saw four carries in Week 10 and didn't play any offensive snaps against the New York Jets last week. TreVeyon Henderson has been excellent over the last two games, so Jennings hasn't been needed in the rushing game. Fellow back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) is currently questionable to suit up against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12. If he returns, Jennings is unlikely to touch the field at all. Regardless, Jennings is expected to have a minimal role in the offense going forward.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Hutchinson Nov 21 8:20pm CT
Xavier Hutchinson

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson was a non-factor during Thursday's Week 12 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The 25-year-old was not targeted at all in the passing game. Hutchinson rushed the ball once for nine yards in the win. This is now the second time in the last three games that Hutchinson has been held without a catch. There is certainly some potential here, but Hutchinson clearly isn't part of the weekly gameplan right now. He's someone worth stashing in dynasty leagues due to his potential, but isn't someone that needs to be rostered in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Harold Fannin Jr. Nov 21 8:10pm CT
Harold Fannin Jr.

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. turned in a quiet outing in a Week 11 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, catching just two passes for 26 yards on a windy afternoon in Cleveland. The rookie will look to bounce back on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. Fannin has been impressive in his debut season, catching 44 passes for 422 yards and two touchdowns across 10 contests. He will hope to keep that going in a tough matchup against a Raiders defense that is allowing just the 28th-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. Fannin remains a focal point in the Cleveland passing attack but the matchup for him in Week 12 isn't ideal. Treat him as a mid-range TE2 in fantasy for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Flournoy Nov 21 8:10pm CT
Ryan Flournoy

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy has seen his role in the passing game decrease in recent weeks. Last week, Flournoy hauled in his lone target for a two-yard touchdown in the win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Flournoy has finished with two or fewer receptions in four straight games. Sadly, there aren't enough targets to go around with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens seeing a majority of the action. At the moment, Flournoy is just a depth option in this offense. He should be considered a touchdown-dependent option for the upcoming Week 12 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Dawson Knox Nov 21 8:00pm CT
Dawson Knox

Fantasy managers seeking tight end help might have been looking at Buffalo Bills TE Dawson Knox in recent weeks after Dalton Kincaid injured his hamstring in Week 10. Despite Kincaid missing Weeks 11 and 12, Knox has proven to be unreliable, catching just four passes for 40 scoreless yards on seven targets. The 29-year-old was especially disappointing in the 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend, when he caught one of three targets for 23 yards on a day when the Bills' offense was marching up and down the field. Knox had three grabs on four targets for 17 yards in the Thursday night loss in Houston to the Texans. He played a season-high 86% of the offensive snaps against the Texans, but it led to another lackluster game. Kincaid could be back in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers to take over top TE pass-catching duties in Buffalo.

From RotoBaller

Chris Boswell Nov 21 8:00pm CT
Chris Boswell

Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell made both of his field goal attempts and all four of his extra-point tries in a 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. He'll look to stay perfect in a Week 12 road matchup with the Chicago Bears. Chicago surrenders the seventh-most points per game to opponents, and while this contest isn't necessarily expected to be a shootout, it still carries a healthy projected point total. If quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) is unable to play on Sunday, Boswell could play an even more pivotal role in keeping the Steelers on the scoreboard. As one of the most consistent kickers in the league, Boswell has earned the trust of fantasy managers and should remain locked into starting lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Nov 21 8:00pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) got in a full practice on Friday and is listed without a final injury designation after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week. The veteran tight end will look to break a quiet stretch in Week 12's road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Njoku has caught just three passes for 28 yards and a touchdown over his past two games as the Browns continue to lean on rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. at Njoku's expense in the passing attack. To make matters worse for Njoku, the Raiders have been tough on tight ends this season, allowing just the 28th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Njoku sets up as a low-end TE2 heading into Week 12.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Nov 21 7:50pm CT
Jonnu Smith

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith failed to catch a single pass in Week 11, marking his first game without a reception since Week 4 of last season. Though the matchup against the Chicago Bears is favorable, there is little reason to expect Smith to bounce back to fantasy relevance in Week 12. The Steelers remain unpredictable in how they deploy their tight ends, with Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington all playing significant snaps. It is clear, however, that Smith's fantasy value is entirely touchdown-dependent, as he has topped 20 receiving yards just four times this year. As the TE29 in RotoBaller's Week 12 rankings, fantasy managers should look elsewhere for a streaming option.

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DeForest Buckner Nov 21 7:50pm CT
DeForest Buckner

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Friday that defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (neck) has been in the building and is "very" optimistic that he can return this year, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Buckner has been on IR due to a neck injury since early November, and he won't be eligible to return to the Colts defense until Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 31-year-old's return will be a huge boost for Indy's interior defensive line later this season, though, as the three-time Pro Bowler had 42 tackles (26 solo), four sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 13 QB hits in nine starts in his sixth season with the Colts before injuring his neck. Buckner has mostly been durable in his 10 NFL seasons, but he also missed five games in 2024 with an ankle injury. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Buckner has remained productive rushing the passer when he's been healthy.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Nov 21 7:40pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth had just one reception last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that he has dominated throughout his career. His role in the offense remains incredibly unpredictable heading into a Week 12 bout with the Chicago Bears. The Steelers are seemingly taking a hot-hand approach at the tight end position, giving more snaps and opportunities to whichever player makes an early impact. Last week, that was Darnell Washington, who posted a career high in receiving yardage and could be featured more in the coming weeks. Even with the Bears offering a decent matchup for Freiermuth, fantasy managers can't reasonably depend on him in starting lineups on Sunday.

From RotoBaller