The Week 3 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers features two squads looking to find their early-season form as they both missed the playoffs last year. We have the fantasy projections for you, courtesy of NumberFire.
Fantasy football projections, Week 3: Steelers vs Panthers featuring Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Cam Newton and Kelvin Benjamin
We break down the Week 3 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to rebound from a disappointing Week 2 loss where their offense only put up six points. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is a low-end QB1 play and could use some more playmakers besides wideout Antonio Brown. Running back Le'Veon Bell has established himself as a solid mid-range RB1, averaging 16 carries for 84 yards and 5.5 catches per game. Look for the Steelers to continue to utilize the versatile Bell all over the field.
Wide receiver Antonio Brown is a legitimate WR1, averaging six catches for 103 yards through two weeks. He's the unquestioned top receiving threat and will continued to be targeted heavily all year. Fellow receiver Markus Wheaton isn't quite a fantasy difference maker yet, but he's got some upside and could easily grow into a WR3 as the season progresses.
Carolina Panthers
Although quarterback Cam Newton has been dealing with some ankle soreness, he remains an high-upside QB1. It speaks to his talent when one considers Carolina's lack of weapons. Their three-headed rushing attacks lives on as the questionable DeAngelo Williams is expected to play, ensuring that no one in the Carolina backfield can be used as anything higher than an uninspiring flex option.
Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin is arguably the highest-upside fantasy rookie play, but reminded us last week that all rookies are bound to struggle at some point. He caught two passes for 46 yards on eight targets and dropped three balls. Owners shouldn't be discouraged, though; Benjamin remains a legitimate WR3. Tight end Greg Olsen is quietly having a solid 2014, averaging seven catches for 77.5 yards. A top-five finish isn't out of the question for Olsen at this pace.
