Fantasy Scouting Report: Pittsburgh Steelers

Behind the Steel Curtain reveals all about the Steelers.

QB Ben Roethlisberger – Ben Roethlisberger is healthy and the running game struggled in Week 1 against a similar 4-3 defense to what the Steelers will face on Sunday. Roethlisberger threw for more than 350 yards last week and if the running game struggles like many suspect the Steelers will be forced to win the game on the strength of Big Ben’s arm.

RB Willie Parker – Parker took the blame for the Steelers problems running the ball last week and looks to turn it around, but there are far too many questions about the running game to count on Willie for a big game. Parker missed almost the entire preseason with an ankle injury and looked very hesitant last week. If you have another option on your fantasy team I would stay away from Parker like he was the Swine flu.

RB Rashard Mendenhall – Mendenhall got a plenty of carries during the preseason but he still didn’t look like the player the Steelers were drafting in the first round of the 2008 draft. Chicago is Mendenhall’s old stomping grounds though, so perhaps will come out and show his hometown team that they made a mistake not drafting him. Unless you are in an extremely deep fantasy league I don’t see Mendenhall deserving a spot on your lineup.

WR Santonio Holmes – Santonio Holmes’ has went over 100 yards in the opening match-up against the Titans and really looked like he was in midseason rhythm with Ben Roethlisberger. The Chicago Bears secondary is a big question mark, so look for Santonio and the Steelers to exploit the weakness and get the ball in their playmakers hand.

WR Hines Ward - Hines Ward quietly had 100 yards last week and is still Ben Roethlisberger’s most reliable target when he needs a big play. Hines Ward is only 117 yards away from 10,000 in his career so he could pass another milestone in his career at Soldier field on Sunday afternoon.

TE Heath Miller – Good Tight Ends tend to eat the Bears alive and find holes in the middle of the field. Heath Miller is also coming off a great game against the Titans and looks like he could finally be a consistent threat in the Steelers offense.

Steelers Defense – The Steelers linebackers struggled getting to Kerry Collins last week, but I would look for them to bounce back and get pressure on Jay Cutler early on. The pressure will force some turnovers, but I would expect Jay Cutler to protect the ball better than he did last week when he threw 4 interceptions. The Steelers defense creates pressure and turnovers and if you have them on your team you should start them every week.

For the best in Steelers coverage, Behind the Steel Curtain is your source.