The Indianapolis Colts (7-1) will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) in Week 9. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding WR Michael Pittman Jr..
Is Pittman Playing in Week 9?
Pittman is not on the injury report, and barring a surprise, he is expected to play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Colts’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Pittman in Week 9?
I don’t want to say he’s the most underappreciated receiver in the league, but he’s on the short list.
Michael Pittman reeled in a 21-yard score last week with the defender draped (illegally) all over him. It didn’t matter. The score helped him finish the week as a top 22 receiver for the sixth time this season, and more important than the single play was the target earning.
The risk that comes with potent offenses like this is volume. They score too fast, so the play count suffers, thus lowering the floor of everyone involved (while also raising the ceiling because of the points they are putting on the board).
It can be a strange dynamic, but he earned a 34.6% target share last week, and that’s a great way to mitigate that risk. Pittman is capable of winning down the field, but it’s far less predictable than it was a season ago, and with him seeing only 14.3% of his targets 15+ yards past the line of scrimmage (29.7% last season), he’s not reliant on those less efficient plays.
I have Pittman ranked as my WR11 this week, and I’m more concerned about being too low than too high.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Cheat Sheet.
Pittman’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 9
Pittman is projected to score 16.9 fantasy points in PPR formats.
We project Pittman to have 7 receptions for 77 yards and 0.3 touchdowns. Pittman could also add 1 rushing yard.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 9 Weather Impact: Colts at Steelers
The forecast for kickoff is 53 degrees Fahrenheit with 9 mph winds. These are ideal conditions for fantasy production.