Fantasy Scouting Report: Pittsburgh Steelers

Behind the Steel Curtain gives us the knowledge on the Steelers.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger - Could Ben Roethlisberger be on pace for another season like 2007? It sure is looking like it if the first two games of the season are any indication. Roethlisberger is averaging just under 30 throws and just under 300 yards passing in his first two games of the season due to inconsistent production from the running backs. The Steelers need Roethlisberger to make plays through the air if they are going to be a threat this season, so look for Big Ben to be a solid fantasy quarterback this week and throughout the season.

RB Willie Parker/ Rashard Mendenhall/ Mewelde Moore - It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled running the ball and if you have a Pittsburgh Steeler running back on your roster this might be a week to start him. The only problem is which one to start? Willie Parker looked better last week but offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has already committed to giving Rashard Mendenhall every third series of snaps. Combine this with Mewlede Moore handling third down duties and you may not be able to count on any single back to gather you consistent points. Keep Pittsburgh runners in the stable until they pick horse that they are going to run with.

WR Hines Ward - Hines Ward has the Cincinnati Bengals number and although he has been somewhat quiet this season I look for him to bounce back with a great game. Hines has over 1000 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns versus the Bengals in 21 career matchups. Hines has averaged over 60 yards per game against the Bengals and he is only 60 yards short of 10,000 yards in his career. Knowing how much of a competitor Hines Ward is, it would be surprising if he didn’t go over 10,000 yards in the jungle this week.

WR Santonio Holmes – He’s also had success in his career versus the Bengals averaging over 80 yards per game against the Bengals. Holmes has been by far the favorite target of Ben Roethlisberger this season and if Pittsburgh continues to throw the ball at this pace Holmes could be one of the top level fantasy wide-outs.
TE Heath Miller – Miller owners must have been furious last week when back-up Tight End Matt Spaeth grabbed a touchdown pass in the first quarter again the Bears. That is part of the reason that Heath Miller will never be a top fantasy Tight End. The Steelers offense spreads the ball around very heavily so if you are in a extremely deep league Miller might be worth being a starter, but overall he should be used as a solid bye-week option.

Steelers Defense – If you have the Steelers defense on your roster you likely picked them up too high. Teams are spreading the Steelers defense out to minimize big defensive plays like turnovers and sacks and the Steelers only have one interception and two sacks through the first two games. While the Steelers are still playing solid defense they may not rack up the fantasy points that they did last season.

Join the thousands of Pittsburgh fans trapped Behind the Steel Curtain.