JuJu Smith-Schuster ruled out, James Conner doubtful for Week 13 vs. Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smitch-Schuster (concussion/knee) will remain out for a Week 13 matchup vs. the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. RB James Conner (shoulder) is considered doubtful to play.

More JuJu and Conner did not play in the Steelers’ Week 12 matchup vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. Smith-Schuster has been dealing with a concussion and a knee injury, while Conner re-aggravated his shoulder a few weeks back when the Steelers played the Browns on Thursday Night Football.

Fantasy Football Analysis: Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and RB James Conner

So last week with both players out, we saw Diontae Johnson and James Washington operate as the top wideouts. That should continue with Vance McDonald also playing a role in the passing game. Washington had seven targets while Johnson received six, plus Washington was much more productive, catching three passes for 98 yards and a TD. Johnson had just three catches for 29 yards.

As for the run game, Benny Snell Jr. led the way with 21 carries for 98 yards, also adding one catch for five yards. He should see the bulk of the early work this Sunday vs. Cleveland, with Jaylen Samuels mixing in on passing downs. Snell is going to be a pretty trendy DFS play on DraftKings at $4,700, while Samuels also isn’t a bad GPP play at $5,700 if he sees a lot of targets.

Don’t expect much though, the Steelers will be starting QB Devlin Hodges and their offense has been lackluster the past three weeks anyway. The Browns D/ST is definitely in play if Conner is ruled out. Also consider the UNDER on DK Sportsbook, even though it’s relatively low at 39 points.