Week 12 vs. Green Bay Packers
Jesse James had 5 catches for 21 yards and a touchdown last week, his third TD this season but first since Week 1. The Packers are rough on opposing tight ends and Vance McDonald could be back this week to steal playing time away. James should not be in your lineup.
Week 7 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Jesse James failed to catch a pass last week and has just 8 catches since recording 10 in the first two weeks. The Steelers have used the tight ends heavily in the past against Cincinnati, but that tight end could wind up being Vance McDonald. Buyer beware.
Week 6 at Kansas City Chiefs
Jesse James had three catches for 24 yards last week against Jacksonville and he hasn't been a huge target since Week 1. He did have 5 catches for 67 yards against Kansas City in the playoffs last season, but at this point, he's largely a TD-reliant play. Considering the Chiefs haven't allowed a touchdown to a tight end yet this season, that doesn't bode well for James.
Week 5 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
James caught 3 passes for 40 yards last week in Baltimore and continues to be a below-the-radar tight end. He's not going to get a lot of volume but could find some holes in Jacksonville's defense this week. The Jaguars figure to be paying plenty of attention to the Steelers pass-catchers on the outside, which could open things up for James. Jacksonville has allowed 2 tight end touchdowns already this season. James could be a sneaky pickup this week if your starting tight end is on a bye or injured.
Week 4 at Baltimore Ravens
Jesse James left last week's game at Chicago after making just 1 catch with a shoulder injury. He's continued to deal with that all week, which is a shame since the Ravens just allowed 3 TE touchdowns to Jacksonville and have already given up 4 this season to go along with 13 catches for 191 yards to the position. James is questionable to play this week. If he doesn't, give Vance McDonald a bump up.
Week 3 at Chicago Bears
Jesse James caught 4 passes for 27 yards last week despite suffering an ankle sprain on Pittsburgh's opening drive. That injury, however, has him questionable this week and he's had a brace on the ankle. Look for the Steelers to allow him to sit out this week and give Vance McDonald a try. Either way, neither should be in your fantasy lineup.
Week 2 vs. Minnesota Vikings
As I wrote last week, Jesse James' value will largely be tied to scoring. He showed that last week against Cleveland, with 6 receptions and 2 touchdowns, but he totaled only 41 yards. Even if James gets a lot of work, he's not going to be a big yardage guy. Considering he had just three touchdowns in 2016, his performance last week was not the norm by any stretch. He should not be in your lineup.
Week 1 at Cleveland Browns
Jesse James will continue to be the Steelers No. 1 tight end until Vance McDonald gets up to speed. That hasn't happened yet. But don't count on James this week against the Cleveland Browns, other than for a catch or two. Maybe one of them will be a touchdown, but that's not likely enough for you to rely upon.
Fantasy Upside
Jesse James took advantage of Ladarius Green's injuries to grab control of the Steelers' starting tight end spot. He caught 39 passes and scored 3 times on 60 targets, which made him a spot starter in bye weeks. He's the unquestioned starter this year.
Fantasy Downside
James is way down the line in terms of the pecking order in this offense.
2017 Bottom Line
There's no true upside here as James isn't likely to increase his targets more than the 60 he saw last year in an offense that features too many other weapons. His value will be almost solely tied to touchdowns.
AFC Championship at New England
James had five catches for 83 yards on six targets last week, as Kansas City kept leaving the middle of the field open in an effort to stop both Le'Veon Bell from running the ball and Antonio Brown from catching it. It's not a bad plan since James offers little after the catch. James could lose some time to Ladarius Green and/or Xavier Grimble this week as the Steelers look for some catch-and-run down the seam. Buyer beware. Don't let last week's production fool you.
