D.K. Metcalf's Regular Season is Over For Pittsburgh After Suspension
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This is definitely something one does not see in the NFL everyday. However, D.K. Metcalf was suspended for two games without pay pending appeal for his actions on Sunday evening. The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver had a confrontation with a fan in the first half. Pittsburgh went on to defeat Detroit 29-24 and move one step closer to winning the AFC North.
Metcalf was traded from Seattle to Pittsburgh in March. The Steelers then extended Metcalf for four years for $132 million. The season has not quite gone as well as it could have from a fantasy football standpoint.
Pittsburgh was looking for the form from two years ago where Metcalf made the Pro Bowl. In 2023, Metcalf topped the 1,100 yard mark. Earlier in his career, he had 10+ touchdown seasons twice.
Now There Is An Appeal
It is a longer shot but Metcalf did naturally appeal. He will inevitably cite the fact that the wide receiver had a run-in with the same fan. While someone was not paying attention, it is clear that Metcalf crossed several lines. It will be interesting if the appeal is succesful in any way. Perhaps, he gets docked one game instead of two.
Over the last five years, D.K. Metcalf has
— Aaron Levine (@AaronLevine_) December 22, 2025
Four unsportsmanlike conduct penalties
Four unnecessary roughness penalties
Three taunting penalties
Two ejections
And now a two-game suspension - for a fan incident that was seemingly avoidable
It's just sad to see, it hurts his team
There are two sides to thie coin. Apparently a cop was there that probably could have altered the situation. Maybe, it never escalates to that point. Then again, Metcalf put himself in this situation. Now, it is that part which is unavoidable.
It will be interesting to see how the appeal process plays out. Just ask Ja'Marr Chase. That did not end well.
Fantasy Football Impacts
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, it takes a vital cog out of the offense. Playing Cleveland will not be easy without him. Kenneth Gainwell is more a wide receiver than a running back. It will be intriguing to see if the Steelers expand his role as a wideout for Week 17. Gainwell is second on the team with 410 yards receiving.
Fortunately, Pittsburgh plays Baltimore at home after this in Week 18. Simply, if the Steelers take care of business this week, they win the AFC North. The final week turns into an exercise of rest. However, if Cleveland wins and so does Baltimore, there is that chance of a winner-take-all scenario.
Tom Brady
— GOWIE (@DaKidGowie) December 23, 2025
Joe Flacco
Philip Rivers
Aaron Rodgers
Playing QB at 40 seems absurd, but these men have shown that aged doesn’t mean washed. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/eMlvVxXBu5
Aaron Rodgers will have to spread the ball around even more. Seven different receivers have 28 or more catches including Metcalf. That is a large number. With the Steelers rushing game as dominant as it has been all season, maybe Gainwell and Jaylen Warren can do that again on Sunday. The Browns have given up 490 yards on the ground over the last three weeks.
From a broader perspective, fantasy football owners should be combing the waiver wire immediately. Time is of the essence on essentially the final week of the playoffs. Yes, a few leagues play Week 18 but typically this is it.
Some Parting Words
Again, the advice is simple. Look for competitve matchups in Week 17 more than ever. Teams will be looking to utilize load management whenever they can. Gearing up for the playoffs for some teams is already a priority.
Needless to say, do not wait for the appeal to make moves here.
