After a dismal offensive performance last Sunday against the New York Jets, plenty of Pittsburgh Steelers players most likely disappointed your fantasy football lineup. However, as the team heads into a Monday Night Football matchup against the Tennessee Titans, they look to right the ship against another struggling team.
Here is who you should start and sit on your fantasy lineup.
Start 'em
Martavis Bryant - This rookie wide receiver has climbed the ladder from someone to sit, to a sleeper pick and now a must start on a weekly basis. When a young wide receiver has the trust of his quarterback that Bryant does in crucial situations he becomes a must start on your fantasy roster. Only playing in 4 games in his rookie year, he has already hauled in 6 touchdowns, second on the team. Start Bryant on Monday night and look for him to exploit the Titans' secondary that allows 232 passing yards per game.
Le'Veon Bell - Although the Titans rank 11th in the NFL against the pass, they are much worse against the run. The Titans rank 29th in the NFL allowing 136 yards per game. Great news for fantasy owners of Le'Veon Bell and a Steelers team that is looking to get their running game back in their groove. Bell has been more of a threat in the passing game this season than running the football. Bell has hit pay dirt 3 times, twice as a receiver and only once as a runner. Bell looks to get the team's running game back on track on Monday night and is a must start.
Ben Roethlisberger - Although Roethlisberger had a sub-par game last Sunday, there is one thing consistent with Roethlisberger's poor performances. He typically bounces back the following week. That should make fantasy owners of Roethlisberger happy as he looks to exploit a Titans' secondary that could be without one of their better cornerbacks. Roethlisberger will have a healthy compliment of weapons at his disposal, and if the team can move the ball vertically it will pay huge dividends for the Steelers' passing game and Roethlisberger's fantasy statistics.
Antonio Brown - So Antonio Brown fumbled twice against the Jets. Consider that an aberration and not a trend considering Brown had fumbled twice in his entire career before Sunday's game. Nonetheless, Brown will do what he always does on Monday night. Catch more than 5 passes for more than 50 yards, as well as a potential touchdown or two. Brown is too talented as a receiver to not keep in your lineup after just one poor game in an otherwise tremendous 2014 season.
Sit 'em
Markus Wheaton - With the emergence of Martavis Bryant, the focus on Markus Wheaton's production has dropped tremendously. At the beginning of the season, Wheaton was the sole receiver expected to take advantage of Antonio Brown being opposite him. With Bryant stepping up in a big way, Wheaton's production has been steady, but not anything worth starting in your fantasy lineup unless you are desperate.
Heath Miller - Miller has been used as more of a blocking tight end than a pass receiving option for the Steelers the past few weeks, which doesn't bode well for Miller's fantasy production. Since his offensive explosion against the Indianapolis Colts 4 weeks ago, Miller has been held in check based on offensive game planning and the fact the Steelers have several weapons to use other than Miller. Until the Steelers plan on using Miller more often than they have, keep Miller on the bench.
Sleeper Pick
Steelers Defense / Special Teams - If there was ever a matchup that could have you start the Steelers' defense and special teams, it would be against the Titans. The Titans offensive line is giving up a lot of sacks, they are starting a rookie quarterback and rank 27th in passing and 22nd in rushing among all 32 NFL teams. Even with the Steelers missing 4 starting defenders this week, this team could put together a fine performance against a sub-par offense. Going against Zach Mettenberger there is a good chance the unit can create some turnovers and possible a score. If you don't have a top 5 defense on your fantasy bench, give the Steelers defense a start.