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Summer Fantasy Outlook: Pittsburgh Steelers
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The two keys to a successful draft in fantasy football are: 1) Selecting players who will perform better than expected; and 2) Staying away from guys who will disappoint. In this 32-team series, I examine both types of players on every NFL team as the clubs prepare to head to training camp. For a listing of all 32 capsules, click here.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
2008 Fantasy Ratings:
Rushing: 17th.
Passing: 17th.
Overall: 20th.
The Steelers were champions on the field last season, but certainly not in the fantasy game. Chances are, those roles will be reversed in 2009.
As they demonstrated in the Super Bowl, the Steelers are well aligned to be a fantasy success. Ben Roethlisberger is a Top 10 quarterback, Willie Parker is a Top 10 running back, Santonio Holmes has the potential to be a Top 15 receiver and Hines Ward remains a dependable wideout.
So how is it Roethlisberger ranked no better than 17th among quarterbacks in the fantasy game last season? Parker 39th among running backs? And Holmes 32nd among wide receivers?
In a word: injuries.
Is that a concern for 2009? Absolutely not.
Roethlisberger and Holmes are young players, and while Parker and Ward have taken their fair share of big hits over the years, there's enough versatility in the Steeler offense to cut down on their wear and tear.
All four should have fantasy-worthy seasons in 2009. And that could make you a winner in the fantasy game.
But on the field, when you're in the same conference as the Patriots, predicting similar success as a team is unwise.
Projected 2009 Overall Fantasy Rating: 8th.
Most likely Steelers to be better than expected (2008 position ranking in parentheses): QB Ben Roethlisberger (17th among quarterbacks), WR Santonio Holmes (32nd among wide receivers).
Most likely Steeler to disappoint (2008 position ranking in parentheses): TE Heath Miller (15th among tight ends).
