GeorgePickens

News: 2 days agoPickens recorded three receptions on six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 44-38 win over the Bengals.

Spin: As is often the case, Pickens' performance had plenty of ups and downs. He was involved in a pick-six early in the game when he fell to the ground on a target, only to cash in on a 17-yard touchdown on the Steelers' next drive. Pickens later chipped in long receptions of 36 and 19 yards but was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct on each. Setting aside the penalties, Pickens has been very productive in five games since Russell Wilson took over under center, averaging 81.1 yards per game while accounting for all three of his touchdowns on the season.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Heading into his third pro season, Pickens is the unquestioned top target in Pittsburgh after the club traded Diontae Johnson to Carolina. Last season, Pickens averaged 13.2 PPG, despite having inconsistent quarterback play. He flashed his big-play ability, as he logged four games of 20 or more points, including a season-high 35.5 against the Bengals in Week 16. Given his vertical ability (14 receptions on throws of 20 or more air yards), Pickens has real fantasy potential if the Steelers can get a higher level of play at quarterback from either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. You can draft Pickens as a flex, but he certainly has the ability to produce breakout games that can win you a week.