FanProphet

Pittsburgh Steelers

I honestly have no clue where these Pittsburgh Steelers are headed this season but, what I do know is based on history; the Steelers franchise plays with pride and no matter how much talent they have around them, they will never quit.

Willie Parker: For various reasons I have never been extemely excited with Parker as the Steelers featured back due to the fact that, I simply did not envision a quick and explosive back playing much of a role in a power running offense. However, after the departure of Jerome Bettis and the Steelers struggling last season, this young back has proven that he is a quality runner and capable of carrying a heavy load. With Parker’s ability to run past defenses and catch the ball out of the backfield, I see a repeat from last seasons statistics. Based on some of the mock drafts I’ve witnessed thus far, Parker should not slip futher than the first 6 picks.Â

Ben Roethlisberger: I am not certain that ‘Big Ben’ is playing with a full deck. The poor decision he made off the field last season somehow found its way onto the field for most of the season and following his Appendectomy. Not only did Ben make numers mistakes during games, he also made two crucial mistakes by coming back too early after those injuries. If Ben plays it smart like he did in 2005 he is capable of being a quality NFL quarterback, but unfortunately we need fantasy numbers and ‘Big Ben’ will never become a quality fantasy point producer.

Hines Ward: Is this guy old as dirt or has he just been that consistent for a very long time? There is something to say about a person that can lead his team from the wide-receiver position. Hines is just that person, a quality receiver, hard worker, and the new leader of this young offensive unit. Believe it or not, if Ben plays within himself and Santonio Holmes develops this season as a quality #2 receiver, I envision Hines having a productive season, career numbers, and definitely ranking high on the fantasy stat sheets. On the other hand, I do not see Ben showing much improvement, therefore, look for Hines to post his typical numbers and remain a #2 receiver on your roster.

Santonio Holmes: What can I say, Holmes is an Ohio State alum and he will become a great receiver in this league, just not right now. The upside that this 2nd year pro has is all contingent on whether or not the Ben has shaken off the miserable season he had in 2006. In terms of fantasy points, if the Steelers don’t show up to play this season, they will find themselves playing from behind and this is where the speedy Holmes can pick up a ton of points. Even with that in mind, he’s still your 3rd receiver option.

DEFENSE: Even with the departure of Joey Porter I still look for this unit to be as dominate as ever. For some reason the great history of dominant defenses in Pittsburgh remains contagious year after year. With the wizardy of Mike Tomlin as defensive coordinator and the amount of talent they possess, this ‘Steel Curtain’ is a surefire #1 fantasy defense capable of scoring numerous points. Look for much of the same in terms of fantasy production from this unit.

Heath Miller: Although not a Gonzalez or Gates, Miller is continuing to emerge as a quality TE in this league. Going into his third season and Roethlisberger needing the security of a quality TE, I look for Miller to put of similar numbers, 45-50 catches and 5-6 touchdowns. Obviously if your league doesn’t require starting a TE, you can pass on Miller and draft a fantasy sleeper somewhere.

Jeff Reed: The Steelers will remain competitive this season because they are a prideful unit and they play in the most competitive rival division in the NFL. With the offensive unit capable of moving the ball and their defense good enough to control field position look for many opportunities for Reed to score points. The Steelers offense will show difficulties scoring inside the red-zone and this is where Reed’s value increases as a fantasy kicker, if he improves his accuracy.