Should I Pick Up George Pickens? Week 5 Waiver Wire Outlook

October 3, 2022

Should I pick up George Pickens for fantasy football Week 5? Is George Pickens a good fantasy pick off the waiver wire? Read the fantasy football waivers outlook.

The Pittsburgh Steelers did it—they put Kenny Pickett in at quarterback. And putting Pickett in was also a key in sparking a big game from another rookie: wide receiver George Pickens.

Pickens caught six passes for 102 yards in Sunday's loss to the Jets. It was Pickens' best game by a mile so far in his young NFL career

Is this a sign of things to come for Pickens? Should you pick him up in fantasy leagues after his Week 4 showing?

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What Did George Pickens Do In Week 1?

Heading into Week 4, Pickens' best NFL game had seen him catch three passes for 39 yards. But with the change to Kenny Pickett at quarterback at the half, Pickens was energized, posting the best numbers of his career: six catches for 102 yards.

Pickens is getting looked at more each week. His number of snaps has been consistent—three times this season, he's had exactly 45 snaps—but the team has been looking his way more often over the last two weeks.

The change to Pickett really helped this week. Pickett targeted Pickens four times, with him catching all four of those for 71 yards. Pickens clearly benefit from the change at quarterback. As long as that change is permanent, Pickens should be positioned well going forward.

Should I Pick Up George Pickens Off the Waiver Wire in Fantasy Football?

This isn't really a good week to need a wide receiver in fantasy. There weren't really a lot of performances from players who are widely available on waivers that scream "must-add," which is precisely why Pickens is THE must-add at wide receiver.

With the receiving pickings slim on the wire, you have to take a shot on Pickens. There aren't going to be many players with his upside who'll come available in fantasy this season.

As long as the Steelers officially move to Pickett as their quarterback, Pickens should be added in all 12-team leagues, as he'll have weekly flex appeal based on his current rapport with Pickett.

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