The Pittsburgh Steelers head back home to take on the Baltimore Ravens, and with them comes plenty of fantasy value.
Quarterback:
Ben Roethlisberger: Start
I’m starting Ben Roethlisberger this week because the game is at home and because it is becoming a must win for the Steelers. The Steelers have a tendency to play better when their backs are against the wall, and that includes Ben. On top of that Ben has been a top-five fantasy quarterback this season under new coordinator Randy Fichtner.
Running Back:
Le’Veon Bell: Sit
I doubt he plays another game in a Steelers uniform.
James Conner: Start
Another Steeler in the top five at his position, James Conner is an every week starter in my opinion. His volume in the Steelers offense has been fantastic averaging 18 carries a game. His yards per carry average isn’t outstanding but it is good when combined with that type of volume. Add in an average of over 45 receiving yards per game and you have a fantastic fantasy running back.
Wide Receiver
Antonio Brown: Start
Antonio Brown has not been as dominant as you expect from him so far this season. Part of that has to do with the emergence of JuJu Smith-Schuster. I will continue to start AB every week because he has still been a very good option and should improve as the season goes on. He is still a great fantasy option, albeit a bit of a disappointment so far for those who took him early in the first round.
JuJu Smith-Schuster: Start
JuJu is a top ten fantasy receiver so far ahead of Antonio Brown. I expect his ranking to fall a little as the season goes on and AB to eventually pass him in fantasy points scored. That being said JuJu is an every week starter, a fantastic wide receiver two, and borderline wide receiver one.
James Washington: Sit
As the season goes on Washington’s volume in the offense should continue to grow. I would not look at him as a viable option anytime before mid-season. If he continues to see more involvement in the offense he could be a viable breakout candidate late in the season and fantasy playoffs.
Tight End
Vance McDonald: Start
I have been very critical of Vance McDonald before. He looked fantastic last week, however. Normally I wouldn’t encourage the knee-jerk reaction of starting someone after a great performance but I think last week proved that McDonald will be involved and when he is he can definitely make the most of it.
Jesse James: Sit
Jesse James had a huge week 2. He followed it up in week three with one catch for seven yards. Meanwhile, Vance McDonald had a fantastic game. I think McDonald has the opportunity to take over the vast majority of the tight end volume, and if he does it will be at the expense of James.