81 Jesse James TE

James caught both of his targets, totaling 28 yards, during Sunday's 24-21 loss to Oakland.

After looking like one of the teams to beat in the AFC, the Steelers look like they might slide out of the playoff hunt with three straight losses, all to teams in the AFC West. James has stayed quiet during that span. The fourth-year target started the season off hot with eight catches and 198 yards in his first two games. He's averaged just two catches for 19.6 yards per game since as Vance McDonald has made himself at home. Sunday offers an opportunity to rebound against a bottom-10 Patriots pass defense surrendering 274 receiving yards per game, it's just doubtful that James takes advantage.

James caught one of three targets for seven yards during Sunday's 33-30 loss to the Chargers.

With Vance McDonald no longer hampered by a hip injury, James returned to his backup role against Los Angeles. He is on pace for 36 receptions on 46 targets, both of which would be his lowest totals since his rookie campaign in 2015. Still, he has an attractive Week 14 matchup against an Oakland defense that allows the league's worst catch percentage (78.2) against tight ends.

James caught all four of his targets during Sunday's 24-17 loss to Denver.

After failing to be targeted in Week 12 -- the first time all season -- James saw more looks from Ben Roethlisberger in a game since Week 6. Three of those passes came after Vance McDonald (hip) left the game in the third quarter, although he did return. Even if the hip injury prevents McDonald from playing in Week 13 James has an unfavorable matchup against the Chargers, allow opposing tight ends just 6.4 fantasy points per game this season.

James was not targeted during Sunday's 20-16 win over the Jaguars.

James' slide hit rock bottom Sunday for his first catchless performance of the season. After being targeted five times in each of the Steelers' first two games, the Penn State product has been targeted more than three times just once in his past eight games as starter Vance McDonald heats up. Sunday brings a Denver defense that has given up some yardage this season, but has attacked offenses with turnovers and sacks.

James caught his lone target for an eight-yard touchdown during Thursday's 52-21 win over Carolina.

Considering Ben Roethlisberger completed 22 of 25 passes for 328 yard and five touchdowns, this was a disappointing night for James. Vance McDonald continues to out produce him and that is likely to be the case when Pittsburgh faces Jacksonville in Week 11.