Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Rams
James Washington had his best game of the season, catching all four of his targets last week for 69 yards. One of those catches was a 40-yard reception on which he was underthrown or it might have been a touchdown. Washington remains the team's preferred deep threat, so there's always a chance for a big one. Washington doesn't get great volume, though he has been targeted 16 times in the past three games. He's a low-end flex option.
Week 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens
James Washington failed to catch his only target last week, but it wasn't necessarily because he wasn't getting open. The Steelers wanted to work their running backs against the Bengals linebackers and didn't push the ball downfield much. Those shots are coming for Washington. But that's a pretty big if and when at this point. It's coming, but is it coming this week?
Week 4 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
James Washington had just two catches for 14 yards on five targets last week, but he also drew a pass interference penalty that might have gone for a long touchdown had he not been yanked down from behind. Those are coming. He's got a track record with Mason Rudolph and that will come into play at some point. Washington is worth nothing more than a low-end flex play, however, at this point.
Week 3 at San Francisco 49ers
James Washington had two catches for 23 yards last week on three targets. Look for his production to take an uptick. First, Donte Moncrief is getting benched after dropping five passes in the first two weeks. And Washington and Mason Rudolph have a connection that dates to their college days. Washington will make a nice flex play this week and possibly more with Rudolph at QB.
Week 2 vs. Seattle Seahawks
James Washington actually played the fourth-most snaps at receiver for the Steelers last week, falling behind Ryan Switzer. But look for that to change. He did get six targets, but managed only two receptions for 51 yards. But Ben Roethlisberger did take multiple shots downfield for Washington. Given the Seahawks' inability to handle speedy John Ross downfield last week, the Steelers will test Seattle deep, which means Washington could get additional opportunities. But he's only a low-end flex play this week.
Week 1 at New England
James Washington will open the season as the Steelers' No. 3 receiver, but it won't matter much. He'll be on the field at least 75 percent of the time. Washington had his best game of a forgettable rookie season against the Patriots last season, catching three passes for 65 yards on four targets. He'll see one-on-one coverage in this one. And when he got that in the preseason, he produced, averaging more than 20 yards a catch. Washington will be the downfield target of choice in the offense. But he probably shouldn't be in your lineup this week.
Fantasy Upside
James Washington's rookie season was a wash, as he caught just 16 passes for 217 yards and one touchdown. He was, however, targeted 38 times. And he came on strong down the stretch, catching eight passes for 140 yards in the final four games. Washington has gotten a lot more practice time with Ben Roethlisberger this offseason -- something that never happened in 2018 -- and with Antonio Brown now in Oakland, the opportunity is there for a lot more work in a high-volume passing attack.
Fantasy Downside
It's a show-me league, and Washington does have competition for targets from JuJu Smith-Schuster, Donte Moncrief and Vance McDonald. He's shown ability in practice situations, but he hasn't done it much in an NFL game yet, so there's some projection here.
2019 Bottom Line
Somebody has to make up those 104 receptions and 1,200 yards Brown produced in 2018. Washington is a solid bet to catch at least 50 passes this season, with the potential to post even more than that. He was a big-play specialist in college and Roethlisberger likes to go downfield as much as any QB in the league. Washington is a nice gamble to take as your No. 4 or 5 receiver with the potential to be more than that.
Week 5 vs. Atlanta Falcons
James Washington managed just two catches for 10 yards last week and can't be considered a fantasy play at this point until he starts becoming a bigger part of the passing game. On the plus side, Ben Roethlisberger has looked for him deep the past two games. They just haven't hooked up. That will come.
Week 4 vs. Baltimore Ravens
James Washington got two receptions for 25 yards last week, with both catches coming on third downs. But the Steelers seem more intent on using their tight ends more this season, so Washington's fantasy value is somewhat stymied for the time being. He should be stashed on your roster, though. He's one injury away from becoming a key part of a pass-heavy offense.
Week 3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
James Washington caught just one pass last week but it was a 14-yard TD. He had several other targets, including a deep ball on the game's first play, and a couple of catches erased by penalties. After getting just 11 snaps in Week 1, he got 52 in Week 2. He's not a flex play just yet, but he's heading in that direction and could be used even more this week.
