Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Football Rundown
By Erik Lambert
Dec 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after a pass reception against Cleveland Browns defensive back Julian Posey (38) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The AFC North is not a hot bed of fantasy talent but it doesn’t lack for possibilities. What do the Pittsburgh Steelers have to offer?
Starters
Antonio Brown
A lot of questions surrounded whether Antonio Brown had what it took to replace Mike Wallace as the #1 receiver for the Steelers. He answered with the second best season by a wide out in 2013 with 1,499 yards and eight touchdowns. At age 25 there is no reason to think that production should stop.
Ben Roethlisberger
For the first time in recent memory it wasn’t the defense that carried the Pittsburgh Steelers down the stretch. It was quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. His maturation in the offense under Todd Haley put up some very impressive numbers. Fantasy owners should feel confident in that development to continue.
Reserves
Le’Veon Bell
Running the ball was a chore for Pittsburgh last season but it’s something they still wish to get back to. Despite averaging just 3.5 yards per carry, Le’Veon Bell posted a solid rookie season in just 13 games. With a healthy offensive line in front of him and more experience, he should do even better in 2014.
Heath Miller
The Steelers offense really didn’t hit their extra gear last season until the return of tight end Heath Miller. He remains a very reliable pass target and should see more openings down the field with new weapons expected to emerge around him.
Sleepers
Dri Archer
There is no substitute for speed in the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers reflected that mantra when they swiped Kent State running back Dri Archer in the draft. His versatility as a runner and receiver is bound to come in handy while his constant home run threat has the capacity to create big plays on both offense and special teams.
Pittsburgh Steelers defense
Dick LeBeau remains one of the most respected defensive coordinators in the league and thanks to some heady free agent and draft moves the Steelers defense has a chance to acquire a bit of its old form. They will need to stay healthy though and hope their older veterans remain productive.