Before the season, the Kansas City Chiefs were seen as possible contenders for at least a wild card, if not for the AFC West. The Pittsburgh Steelers were seen as a team with a good offense, but with a defense that could cost them a shot. Instead, through six weeks, the Chiefs have one win, while the Steelers sit at 4-2 and are in relatively good shape going forward. Sunday, the two play one another.
Fantasy football advice, Week 7: Who to start/sit for Steelers vs. Chiefs
It was the Chiefs, not the Steelers, who were expected to be decent contenders this season, but it’s all flipped.
The Steelers will be without quarterback Michael Vick Sunday after he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 6. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will officially be listed as questionable, though it seems unlikely he’ll play either. For Kansas City, the team’s three biggest names -- quarterback Alex Smith, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and tight end Travis Kelce -- were all on the injury report. Maclin is the biggest question mark, but he’s passed the league’s concussion protocol, and should play Sunday, as will the other two.
The Chiefs will host the Steelers Sunday. The game is scheduled for start at 1 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
STEELERS
Start ‘em: You know Le’Veon Bell is strong when you see his eight fantasy points in Week 6 as a disappointment, but after averaging 19 points a game in his first three, it is that nonetheless. ... The absence of Michael Vick can only be good news for Antonio Brown, who should see his usage rise again.
Start ‘em?: With Vick out and Ben Roethlisberger likely the same, the Steelers will turn to Landry Jones at quarterback. Jones looked strong enough in the second half last week; he’s high-risk, but a reasonable QB2 option. ... I remain the least convinced on Martavis Bryant’s week-to-week production -- he’ll have some huge games but some zeroes too. I just can’t rank him higher than a mid-range flex play. ... Chris Boswell has put up 12 fantasy points a game since taking over the team’s kicking duties. ... The Steelers’ defense has been better than expected, and faces a Kansas City offense that is not doing well.
Sit ‘em: Bryant’s return pushes Markus Wheaton all the way to fantasy benches. ... Heath Miller has five fantasy points total in the last four weeks.
CHIEFS
Start ‘em: It looks like Jeremy Maclin will be good to go for Sunday, putting him right back in his role as target monster. ... Travis Kelce has been a bit disappointing of late, but he’s still one of the league’s best tight ends.
Sit ‘em: With Jamaal Charles done for the year, Alex Smith has even less upside than normal. ... Charcandrick West was awful in his first game as the team’s top running back, and Knile Davis wasn’t any better. ... Cairo Santos had that one enormous game, and very little production outside of that. ... The Chiefs’ defense has had no games between negative-five and seven fantasy points. That is hugely boom-or-bust, and the Pittsburgh offense seems to make this a bust game.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, Jeremy Maclin, Travis Kelce
Start if you’re desperate: Landry Jones, Martavis Bryant, Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh defense
Bench: Markus Wheaton, Heath Miller, Alex Smith, Charcandrick West, Knile Davis, Cairo Santos, Kansas City defense
