Steelers fantasy football: Players to start or sit in Week 5
By Andrew Falce
Greg Ward
Verdict: Sit ’em
While Greg Ward may be the top target for the Eagles, his style of play makes it hard to trust him as a fantasy starter. He is a physical route runner that lacks the true speed to make deep plays happen. While it’s fine to have a receiver like this, it should favor the Steelers defense that has struggled to stop deep passes. Ward won’t be a threat deep but should get a couple of shorter catches over the middle.
The issue with relying on him in fantasy is that while he may have five or more catches, he won’t have the yardage to back it up. He makes a living catching mid-range passes and earning some YAC. The Steelers secondary has struggled with deep passes, but they are great tacklers. Ward could be facing a stat line of five catches for 35 yards. If that’s the case, he won’t be worth a fantasy starting spot.
The only hope for him is scoring at some point. There are plenty of other targets in this Eagle’s passing game that strike more red zone fear though, so it shouldn’t be counted on. Ward is a fine complementary receiver, but he will likely be a fantasy dud against the Steelers. Keep him off your starting spots this week.