The Steelers host the Arizona Cardinals Sunday and with that comes their toughest opponent since opening night against the Patriots. Their former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians looks to keep stringing together wins and surely there is an element of revenge seeing as he was let go by the Steelers in 2011.
MUSTS: Carson Palmer, Chris Johnson, Le’Veon Bell
Carson Palmer is having a great fantasy season so far, dipping below 20 fantasy points once with 19. He is efficient, their offense is the number one scoring offense in the league and the Steelers are giving up tons of points to opposing quarterbacks.
Running back Chris Johnson is not having the same success as Palmer but he is the focus back and the Steelers defense is also giving up a lot of points to opposing running backs. Short yardage back David Johnson could be of use too as he had two goal line touchdowns last week. For Le’Veon Bell no explanation is needed.
MIGHTS: Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Martavis Bryant
I had included Martavis Bryant in this spot last week before learning that he was not yet to be activated. He is now active and adds a jump ball element that bodes well with Vick who loves the play action pass.
Larry Fitzgerald is averaging over 16 fantasy points a game and no reason that should stop against this Steelers secondary. Brown is averaging half the points but getting at least seven targets a game so this one two punch could have a successful day.
MISSES: Michael Vick, Heath Miller, Antonio Brown
Sadly for the Steelers their passing game is obviously not the same. My hope is obviously that Mike Vick keeps the momentum going he developed in the fourth quarter in San Diego and has a strong performance.
That’s a tall ask against a Cardinal defense ranked in the NFL’s top ten. Vick’s play is affecting Miller’s as well as Brown’s in very negative fashion. Since Vick has taken over Miller has four catches in two games and doesn’t warrant a start.
Antonio Brown is still the best in the league he just isn’t cutting it again with Vick under center. He has 8 points in the last two games after having 56 in the first three. I am starting him on my team but if you have a better option you may want to think twice.
Next: Still Curtain's NFL Week 6 Picks
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