Should I Drop Kenny Pickett? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered this season with a lot of optimism, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

Despite the hype that surrounded this team in the offseason, the Steelers have stumbled out to a 2-2 start, where their offense has looked subpar.

Pittsburgh currently ranks 29th in total offense, and second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett is currently questionable to play in week 5 with a bone bruise injury in his knee.

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Is Kenny Pickett A Fantasy Football QB1?

Even before Pickett got injured this past week against the Houston Texans, the Steelers' offense had been ineffective. Many believed that Pickett was primed for a second-year jump at the quarterback position, but so far, that has not been the case.

From The Insiders on #NFLPlus: Practice will be the guide for #Steelers QB Kenny Pickett. pic.twitter.com/Sb8KHUaMXw

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 4, 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently scoring 15.5 points per game, which is tied for 25th best in the NFL. They have only had two trips to the red zone this entire season, which ranks last in the league.

Prior to his injury, Pickett has had a disappointing season so far. Through about 4 games, Pickett has thrown for 803 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. He currently ranks as the QB27 in fantasy football and is far from being a consistent QB1 each week.

Can I Drop Kenny Pickett in Fantasy Football?

The Steelers offense has been hard to watch so far this season, and while Pickett deserves some of the blame, it is not all on him.

Pittsburgh is currently averaging 78.8 rushing yards per game. Their ineffectiveness in running the ball has had an immense impact on the team's ability to pass the ball. With the injury to Diontae Johnson, Pickett's receiving options have also been subpar.

The team's second-leading receiver is currently fourth-round rookie Calvin Austin. Pat Freiermuth currently has 8 receptions on the season, and Allen Robinson has fewer receiving yards than Jaylen Warren.

It seems evident that this Steelers offense may be in for a rough season, and it does not seem likely that Pickett can carry the team himself.

Should I Start Kenny Pickett in Week 5 if He is Healthy?

Kenny Pickett's career is off to a similar start to another Steelers' quarterback whose career never panned out. So far, there has yet to be much of an indication that he will jump into the ranks of elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

Kenny Pickett through 17 games: 3207 passing yards, 11 TDs, 13 INTs, Comp% 62.4.

Mason Rudolph through 17 games: 2366 passing yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs, Comp% 61.5.#Steelers #NFL

— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) October 4, 2023

Even if he is healthy for week 5, he faces a Baltimore Ravens defense that has been solid to start the year. The Steelers have yet to prove that they can be effective against anyone offensively, and it does not seem likely they will do so this week.

There are definitely better options on the waiver wire than Kenny Pickett for week 5 of fantasy football. It would be wise to replace him with another QB at this point in the fantasy season.

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