Steelers vs. Bengals: Fantasy outlook
By Remy Retro
The Steelers are at home to face the rival Bengals.
Week 2 is upon us and, after a fun opening game for the Pittsburgh Steelers, we await arguably the most anticipated game of the season: the first rematch with the Bengals since the very heated playoff game last January.
Everyone remembers the hit by Vontaze Burfict that kept Antonio Brown out of the divisional game with Denver. A lot of words were exchanged in the off-season, and football fans and all members of both teams are excited for the next match.
From a fantasy perspective, it may be a bit more lackluster. In a game with this much emotion, players may not put up as gaudy numbers as they would say against the Redskins on the opening Monday night game. With that being said, let’s look at the game.
Musts: Antonio Brown, A.J. Green, Jesse James, DeAngelo Williams
Both Brown and Green had incredible games in Week 1 with 28 and 30 FTPs, respectively. I do not believe that either player can match those numbers this week. A.J. Green had 250 yards receiving last year in the two regular season matchups with the Steelers.
Cincinnati held Brown in check last year, but I think the Bengals secondary has taken a step back from 2015. Tight End Jesse James is a solid start, as the game could be one of a more physical nature where Ben Roethlisberger needs a safety valve to make shorter passes over the middle.
Last year in two regular season games Heath Miller had 20 catches, so a similar number of targets could go to James this time around.
In each regular season game last year DeAngelo Williams ran for over 70 yards. In the first game, Le’Veon Bell was playing. I see no reason why he shouldn’t get 70 yards this weekend.
Throw in a touchdown and a couple catches and he could have a solid game. In this offense, whether it is Williams or Bell, you are going to start the Steelers Running Back.
Mights: Steelers DST, Eli Rogers
The Steelers defense did a good job last season against Andy Dalton, and while Dalton was able to connect often with A.J. Green, it did not really materialize into that many points.
There is potential for sacks as well as turnovers in this match up. Despite two interceptions last week, they only accounted for 5 FTPs – I see this week as closer to 10.
Rogers played well in the opener and has the ability to get open. His touchdown was a fluke, but he caught six of his seven targets. A good start in PPR leagues.
Misses: Sammie Coates
The expectations were set pretty high for Coates due to his size and speed, but he still seems to be lacking concentration, as he is still dropping balls. Coates is touchdown dependent and not worth playing.