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Start
QB Ben Roethlisberger - He put up an epic performance against the Raiders last year, one that isn't likely to be repeated simply out of the rarity of that kind of game - 36-for-49, 384 yards, four touchdowns, no turnovers. But you have to like the confidence he's likely to have. Add into that a tough Raiders run defense, the Steelers could look to get the ball in the air a little bit in this game. Roethlisberger has back-to-back turnover-free performances, but two dropped touchdown passes - one by Antonio Brown and one by Derek Moye - in those games hurt his Fantasy value. They have to catch them at some point.
WR Antonio Brown - Baltimore did a good job of bracketing Brown and limiting his run-after-catch ability, but he's still by far the team's primary passing target, and should continue his eight or more target pace he's been on since Week 3.
K Shaun Suisham - The Steelers' lack of red zone prowess has made Suisham an attractive Fantasy option for owners with kickers on bye weeks. He's perfect so far this year, and he'll get opportunities Sunday.
On The Fence
RB Le'Veon Bell - If Oakland can do anything, it's stop the opposing team from running the football. They can do more than just that, but their game plan is going to be to attack the Steelers straight up. It will be a battle in the trenches, and Oakland hasn't lost many of those so far this year. Bell will get his usual 20 touches rushing and receiving, but rushing touchdowns will likely be at a premium.
TE Heath Miller - He owned Oakland last season, but he's not the same player and the Steelers don't have the same offense as they did. Still, if the Steelers are able to get to the red zone, you have to think he'll get a look or two. It's still a risky start.
Don't Start
WR Emmanuel Sanders - Catching barely over half your targets (24-of-46) isn't going to help produce starting caliber stats. We haven't seen a breakout game from Sanders - and it may not be all on him. It just doesn't seem he and Roethlisberger have the same kind of chemistry noted among higher level passing and receiving tandems.
More from Behind the Steel Curtain:
- Steelers vs. Raiders Week 8 2013: Game Day updates, news and info
- The Standard is The Standard: Steelers pregame podcast episode 7
- Steelers vs. Raiders match-ups: Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau vs. Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor
- Steelers vs. Raiders: Ike Taylor 'probably' will shadow wide receiver Denarius Moore
- 5 reasons the Steelers will beat the Raiders in Week 8
- Corner or nickel, peak or valley, Steelers Cortez Allen is playing for what's on the front of his jersey