The absence of Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) and Antonio Brown (ankle) affect the Steelers' fantasy production quite a bit when they host the Baltimore Ravens Sunday in Week 11.
If anything, though, it's got the makings of a career day for running back Rashard Mendenhall.
Start
Mendenhall - He's never rushed for 100 yards against the Ravens. Heading into free agency in 2013, Mendenhall really could use that elusive mark in his negotiations. Not that he's running only for money, he's got to prove he's recovered from an Achilles injury that's sidelined him since after his sixth carry in Week 6 and that his rehabilitation from offseason knee surgery is complete. Baltimore's run defense is suspect, and can be attacked, even with the alleged healthy presence of DL Haloti Ngata.
TE Heath Miller - despite seeing multiple double-teams in the red zone, Miller will still be a prime target against a defense that's now down two starting cornerbacks (Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith). That will suck safeties to the outside, thus potentially leaving Miller with a weaker coverage linebacking group.
WR Mike Wallace - He has big play potential against this group, whether covered by Cary Williams or Corey Graham - the man who will replace Smith in the starting lineup. Expect the Steelers to be in Posse - 3WR, 1TE, 1RB - much of this game, and Wallace will be utilized deep to keep the safeties away from the box so the running game can take prominence.
K Shaun Suisham - Kickers are always good Fantasy starts in Steelers/Ravens games. Suisham
Sit
WR Emmanuel Sanders - he really should be able to exploit the Ravens' weakened secondary, and he may be good for a touchdown in this game, but targets will come at a premium in this game and he and Leftwich did not appear to be on the same page throughout his time against Kansas City.
QB Byron Leftwich - even if injuries have forced you with Carson Palmer this week (ahem) resist the temptation to make a waiver move for Leftwich. There just isn't enough to suggest he'll have an outstanding game, but without a middle category in these rankings, he fits more with sitting than starting. However, if you are saddled with a Palmerian quarterback a week after multiple injuries threw the balance of the Fantasy season off-kilter, Leftwich may not be a terrible option. Quarterbacks don't score well in Steelers/Ravens games, though.