Ultimately, the choice between Mooney and Pickens depends on your fantasy needs. Mooney is ideal for managers seeking a consistent point floor with moderate upside, especially in PPR leagues
His regular target share and red-zone looks make him a stable WR2 or flex option.
For fantasy managers chasing higher upside, Pickens offers a greater potential for explosive performances. He may be less predictable but could deliver huge points when he’s able to break open the field.
In standard leagues or if you’re already strong in safe options and need a game-changer, Pickens might be your better bet.
Based on his season performance, skillset, and Week 10 matchup, starting Pickens is a calculated risk. Lattimore’s addition to the Commanders’ defense tempers expectations for Pickens, but his big-play potential remains.
For fantasy managers needing a higher-risk, high-reward player, Pickens could be worth the gamble. However, those needing steady points may want to explore other options.
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Darnell Mooney vs. George Pickens: Fantasy Football Showdown
With the NFL trade deadline behind us, both Darnell Mooney of the Chicago Bears and George Pickens of the Pittsburgh Steelers remain fixtures on their respective rosters.1
Each player has contributed meaningfully to their team’s success in 2024, aiding in divisional leads and giving fantasy managers solid options to consider.
But when it comes to choosing between the two, which wide receiver should fantasy managers bet on for the remainder of the season? Let’s break it down in terms of performance, usage, and upcoming schedules.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Darnell Mooney entered the 2024 season as a primary target for the Bears. With impressive route-running skills and chemistry with his quarterback, Mooney has put up numbers that have established him as a reliable WR2 or flex option in fantasy lineups.
Through the early games of the season, Mooney’s consistency has helped the Bears maintain a competitive edge.
He’s seen substantial targets, translating to receptions and a respectable yardage haul. In fantasy terms, his output may not always be explosive, but Mooney brings stability, offering fantasy managers a safe floor week to week.
Mooney’s speed and route-running allow him to get open regularly, especially on intermediate and deep routes.
However, his potential in fantasy is often limited by Chicago’s offensive scheme, which tends to favor a balanced attack. This focus on spreading touches across the offense might reduce Mooney’s target share in some games, keeping his ceiling lower than some of his WR counterparts.
George Pickens: Breakout Season in Pittsburgh
- George Pickens has quickly become one of the go-to weapons in the Steelers’ offense. The young wide receiver has shown flashes of stardom, combining his size, strength, and agility to secure tough catches.2
- His ability to stretch the field makes him a more explosive option than Mooney, particularly in offenses that emphasize downfield passing.
- Pickens’ role as a deep threat in Pittsburgh’s offense has boosted his fantasy value significantly, as he can make big plays at any time.
- He has been especially effective in games where the Steelers have emphasized their passing game. Pickens has consistently provided high-upside performances, making him an exciting asset for fantasy managers.
- Pickens’ playmaking ability is his most notable asset, offering a significant upside with big gains and touchdowns.
- However, his fantasy value can be volatile. In some weeks, he may put up a few big plays, while in others, he might be underutilized due to the Steelers’ game plan.
- His boom-or-bust nature is something to consider when evaluating his fantasy value relative to Mooney’s more consistent, if lower, scoring pattern.
Target Share Comparison: Mooney vs. Pickens
Target share is critical in determining a player’s reliability in fantasy. Mooney has benefited from a steady target share, making him a consistent fantasy option.
He has been the beneficiary of short to intermediate routes, providing him with a regular flow of catches even in more conservative offensive game scripts.
Pickens, on the other hand, has a more variable target share. While he may not see as many targets per game as Mooney, the targets he does receive often come in high-leverage situations.
The Steelers have designed plays specifically for Pickens, especially when they need a spark on offense, which has contributed to his high yards-per-catch average.
Red Zone Opportunities and Touchdown Potential
- Red zone usage can greatly impact fantasy points, and it’s an area where both players bring value to their teams.
- Mooney has been a frequent target in the red zone, leveraging his quickness and route-running to create separation on short-yardage plays.
- This translates into a steady, though not always high-volume, source of touchdown potential. Fantasy managers looking for reliable red zone looks may find Mooney a safe option.
- Pickens also sees red-zone targets but with a slightly different approach. His size and physicality make him a prime target for contested catches, particularly on fade routes and high balls.
- His touchdown potential is higher than Mooney’s due to his deep-play abilities and athleticism, but this comes with a trade-off in consistency.
- Pickens may have weeks where he scores multiple touchdowns and others where he struggles to find the end zone.
George Pickens: Strength of Schedule Going Forward
The strength of schedule can influence a player’s fantasy output in the back half of the season.3
The Bears have a moderate schedule moving forward, with a mix of defensively weak and strong teams. This variety means that Mooney’s performance may fluctuate slightly, but he should still provide stable production given his target share and role within the offense.
The Steelers face a tougher slate, particularly in matchups against teams with strong pass defenses. This could limit Pickens’ fantasy output in certain games, especially where defenses focus on neutralizing deep threats.
However, the Steelers’ reliance on Pickens for explosive plays could also present opportunities for big games against less disciplined secondaries.
Projected Fantasy Output for the Rest of the Season
Based on their current roles and team dynamics, Mooney and Pickens are likely to continue their trends of consistency and volatility, respectively.
Fantasy projections suggest Mooney will continue to see around five to eight targets per game, leading to a steady point floor. Pickens, meanwhile, could have more explosive games interspersed with quieter weeks, making him a more volatile but higher-ceiling choice.
For fantasy managers needing reliability, Mooney may be the safer pick, particularly in PPR (points per reception) leagues. Pickens, however, is better suited for those looking to maximize upside in matchups where his big-play potential could pay dividends.
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Is George Pickens a Good Fantasy Pick in Week 10?
With George Pickens showing flashes of brilliance this season, fantasy managers may wonder if Week 10 is the time to bet on him.
He’s faced a mix of highs and lows, and a recent bye week may give him the opportunity to reset. However, his Week 10 matchup against a revamped Commanders defense, including Marshon Lattimore, raises questions about his potential impact.
The recent addition of cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders will likely complicate Pickens’ Week 10 matchup. Lattimore, known for his agility and coverage abilities, has historically limited even elite wide receivers.
Before this addition, the Commanders’ defense allowed an average of 32.77 fantasy points against wide receivers—a statistic that might change with Lattimore’s presence.
Pickens’ Season So Far: A Mixed Bag of Results
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ WR1 has delivered both impressive plays and occasional inconsistency. Currently sitting at 92.8 fantasy points, Pickens’ season includes memorable moments but lacks the steady production that top fantasy picks bring.
Although he has shown potential in key moments, his unranked status for Week 10 could be concerning for fantasy managers hoping for a standout performance.
Pickens has demonstrated several key strengths that could elevate his fantasy performance. His exceptional athleticism, ability to create separation, and big-play potential make him a valuable fantasy prospect.
His knack for pulling in contested catches adds an extra layer of security, and his rapport with Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett has grown over the season, signaling promise for better production as the season progresses.
George Pickens: Week 10 Matchup
A Look at His Projected Coverage
Had Lattimore not joined Washington, Pickens’ primary coverage would have come from either Benjamin St-Juste or Michael Davis, who have struggled at times against top receivers.
St-Juste and Davis allow considerable yardage, which would have offered Pickens opportunities for explosive plays and consistent yardage.
However, Lattimore’s presence means fewer chances for Pickens to exploit weaknesses and will require him to be more tactical with his route-running and timing.
One point in Pickens’ favor heading into Week 10 is the Steelers’ recent bye week, which could allow him to return rested and ready. Bye weeks often help teams address tactical adjustments, iron out inefficiencies, and improve individual player dynamics.
For Pickens, this break might mean refined route-running, better understanding of the Commanders’ defensive schemes, and stronger chemistry with Pickett.
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Breaking Down the Commanders’ Secondary Stats
The Commanders have faced difficulty defending the pass, ranking in the lower half of the NFL against wide receivers.
With their pre-Lattimore secondary allowing 32.77 fantasy points per game to WRs, fantasy managers may feel hopeful for a solid game from Pickens. Yet, Lattimore’s impact as a CB1 for the Commanders could drop these numbers significantly.
Given the Commanders’ improvements, Pickens may need to rely more on explosive plays than consistent yardage for his Week 10 fantasy relevance.
As Pickens’ quarterback, Kenny Pickett’s accuracy, decision-making, and pocket presence play a huge role in Pickens’ success. While Pickett has had an uneven season, his ability to capitalize on Pickens’ strengths could lead to increased opportunities in Week 10.
If Pickett can overcome the Commanders’ defensive schemes and maintain composure under pressure, he might get the ball to Pickens in high-impact moments.
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