The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL over the past decade. They have reached the playoffs in six of the past ten NFL season. They have also finished with an 8-8 or better record the past 13 seasons. Pittsburgh’s success is due in part to their coaching staff and consistent quarterback play. Let’s look at the Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 fantasy football preview.
Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 Fantasy Football Preview
Quarterback
Over the past decade Ben Roethlisberger has been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the NFL. Last season Roethlisberger threw for 3900 yards and 21 touchdowns. He average 18 fantasy points per game. Roethlisberger problem lately has been injuries as he has missed several games in the last few seasons. With the weapons that he has at his disposal Roethlisberger should have no problem finishing in the top 10 at quarterback in the upcoming 2016 fantasy season. Roethlisberger can be targeted in the middle rounds of drafts next season.
Running Back
Running back Le’Veon Bell has been one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. He is one of the most complete running backs with his ability to catch the ball and in his power. Bell’s main problem has been injuries so far in his young career. Last season, Bell only played five games and had a season ending injury. In those games Bell averaged 15 points per game. Bell is currently facing a four game suspension for performance enhancing drug abuse. With the suspension, Bell can be targeted in the second round of draft next season.
With the injury history to Bell, backup running back DeAngelo Williams is the most important handcuff in fantasy football. Last season, Williams had 1,000 total yards and 10 touchdowns. Williams finished as the fifth best running back last season. With Bell facing a four game suspension, Williams is a must own for all Bell owners this season. Williams can be targeted in the middle to later rounds of drafts next year.
Wide Receivers
Antonio Brown is coming off a career season with 1,800 yards and nine touchdowns. Brown has proven time and time again why he is one of the NFL’s best receivers. Brown is believed by many to be the number one player in fantasy football this season. Last season he averaged over 15 fantasy points per game. Brown’s success is highly linked to the health of Roethlisberger. If Roethlisberger can stay healthy, Brown will have no problem duplicating last year’s production. Brown is currently going as the number one pick in most drafts.
With wide receiver Martavis Bryant being suspended for the 2016 season, Markus Wheaton will have an opportunity to shine. Last season Wheaton had 750 yards and five touchdowns. He should have no problem increasing on those numbers as he is in line to be the number two wide receiver behind Antonio Brown. Wheaton can be targeted in the later rounds of drafts this season. A sleeper wide receiver is sophomore Sammie Coates who has the size and speed but did not produce much in his rookie season. Coates is worth a late round flier in drafts this season.
Tight end
With tight end Heath Miller retiring last season, the Steelers signed tight end Ladarius Green. Green has been a sleeper tight end for the past few seasons but never was able to surpassed and Antonio Gates. Now that he is with the Steelers, Green should produce solid TE one numbers this season. He could be a bargain as he can be drafted in the middle grounds of your draft this season.
Kicker
Kicker Chris Boswell had a solid 2015 season making 29 of 32 field goals and 26 of his 27 extra point attempts. With the Steelers having one of the best offense is in football Boswell will have the opportunity to produce solid fantasy numbers. He can be target in the later rounds of drafts.
Defense
The Steelers defense is not one of their strong suits lately. There special teams is solid when Antonio Brown gets a chance to return kicks. They are not worth much more than a late round flyer in drafts this season.
If Ben Roethlisberger can stay healthy this season, the Steelers will continue to be one of the NFL’s best teams. With the weapons at their skilled positions their offense will continue to strive and produce fantasy points. If the Steelers can stay healthy they will have a good chance at winning the AFC North and make a run at the playoffs in 2016.
