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Week 8 Fantasy Football: Which Steelers to sit and start

This could be a monster week for Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. That puts his receivers and tight end in play as well.

By Neal Coolong
Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

It has all the makings of a significant offensive output from Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. A weak defense low on pass rush and heavy on big plays allowed, his receiving group backing up claims they are the best in the NFL.

Yep, he's got it all, except, maybe, a running game.

Rashard Mendenhall will miss a second consecutive game with an Achilles injury suffered in Pittsburgh's Week 6 game at Tennessee. Isaac Redman is questionable with an ankle injury. While he may play, his production will almost certainly be limited.

Start:

Roethlisberger - A pretty easy decision. Much of the Steelers' game plan will likely center around his ability to get the ball to his receivers in space.

Antonio Brown - He's been as much a lock for seven catches and 80-some yards each game this season. If he gets into the end zone more, he'd be one of the most productive fantasy receivers in the game.

Mike Wallace - Washington seems to almost be making the allowance of deep passes a part of their general defensive strategy. After a case of the dropsies hit him particularly hard in Week 7, he could rebound for a huge game.

Heath Miller - His five touchdowns are tied for the league lead for tight ends, and 31 catches shows Roethlisberger is going to get him the ball. His red zone targets have doubled from last season, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Jonathan Dwyer - This is a risk, but it's hard to say not to give him a nod if you've got guys on bye weeks. while he had a big game last week, the Steelers are showing a penchant for throwing into the end zone more than running it. Even with the return of center Maurkice Pouncey, the Steelers may simply use their receivers in the end zone. Or even just score from 20-plus yards away.

Sit:

Emmanuel Sanders - even in deep leagues, he just doesn't get enough opportunities to be considered a viable start.

Isaac Redman - his biggest value in this game, considering his injury, is probably as a vulture to Dwyer.


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