Pittsburgh Steelers Top 5 Fantasy Options In 2014
The Steelers’ have a chance to be one of the best fantasy producing teams this season. Not just on offense, but on defense as well. This list goes strictly by what order I would rank them in, not necessarily how many points I think they will score. Also, these rankings are for a standard league and not a PPR, dynasty, etc. Kickers and defenses are not included because you shouldn’t even think about drafting either until the last 2 rounds of your draft. Here they are.
1. Le’Veon Bell, RB
Proj. Points: 191
Just because Bell almost definitely won’t score the most fantasy points out of Steelers this season doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be drafted the highest. Bell should be considered a viable late first or early second round pick in standard formats. He is a solid RB1 who I don’t think will lose as much production to his fellow LeBackfield member. He is also a viable receiving option for a running back, which should only add to his production. A player with the all around skills that Bell has to go along with him being a legitimate feature back should have him going high in fantasy drafts.
2. Antonio Brown, WR
Proj. Points: 180
The stable of wide receivers for fantasy football is loaded this year, so if you don’t get one in the first 2 rounds because you’re loading up on running backs (like you should), don’t panic. You could get a player like Brown in the third round and he is perfectly sufficient for a WR1. If you for some reason decide to go with a WR early and there are no RB options you like in round 3, Brown would be an outstanding WR2 option. Brown obviously has all the skills that you would like out of a wide receiver and now that he is the clear cut #1 red zone option in Pittsburgh, expect a big year.
Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs with the ball against the Denver Broncos for the 2013 AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
3. LeGarrette Blount, RB
Proj. Points: 102
Blount may only be the backup running back, but in a league that is scarce with options at the position he is a viable later round option. Even if Bell gets the large majority of carries this season Blount should still get enough carries to make him worth a pick. Especially since a lot of those carries figure to be in the red zone. He may not look to be a home run hitter, but he hits his fair share. Blount, for a big guy with limited speed, is actually a pretty big threat to take it to the house anytime. When he is in the open field an he is one-on-one with a defender he won’t try to elude him, he’ll run right at him and bull him over.
4. Ben Roethlisberger, QB
Proj. Points: 274
When there are so many good options at quarterback and only 10 or 12 teams in a league, Roethlisberger may not even get drafted in some this year. That doesn’t mean that I don’t think he should, though. He may have his risks like injury or playing in a supposed run first offense, but if he can manage to stay healthy and throw enough balls he could be a very good backup QB. If you can manage to draft Big Ben in the last round of your draft, either as a backup for a shaky starter or if you miss out on the top QBs, you should feel good about the position.
5. Markus Wheaton, WR
Proj. Points: 93
Wheaton is in a pretty good position to be the Steelers’ second receiver this season. If he can capitalize on the opportunity and play up to the ability that led people to touting him as an early second round draft pick, he could be in for a much better year than people are projecting. With his deep speed and RAC ability plus the Steelers’ vertical passing game means that he has a very good opportunity to succeed and become a valuable asset to fantasy players who select him in the late rounds of their draft.
What do you think Steelers Nation? Who else deserves to be on this list? Who on here shouldn’t be included? Feel free to comment below?