NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Must Own:
Antonio Brown, WR: Last season Brown was anointed the head of the Steelers' wide receiving corps and responded with a career year. He hauled in 110 passes 1,499 yards and eight touchdowns. This season veteran complementary players were mostly replaced with younger, more raw players. That will spell more targets for Brown which is excellent. It's hard to predict if he can duplicate his touchdown success, but there's no doubt he's a Top 10 receiver, and arguments can be made to have him higher.
Le'Veon Bell, RB: Bell was impressive when he managed to get on the field last year, showing a nose for the end zone (eight touchdowns in 13 games) and the ability to catch out of the backfield. He's going in the second round of most drafts based on his scoring and opportunities last season but there are red flags.
First, the presence of LeGarrette Blount will be frustrating. No, Blount's not an elite player but he's capable and trusted at the goal line. Second, Bell only averaged 3.5 yards per carry in 2013, and 66.2 yards per game. Yes, he caught three passes a game which will help, but unless he's scoring consistent touchdowns again, which are tough to predict, he's a big bust candidate.
Sleepers (Best Format):
Markus Wheaton, WR (Standard): Wheaton didn't have much of a chance to show a lot last year at the pro level, but as an Oregon State senior he caught 11 touchdown passes, 91 passes overall, and broke the 1,200-yard receiving mark. The Steelers have embraced the pass, Ben Roethlisberger is still elite (in real life), and his 2013 competition is all playing elsewhere.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB (Standard): Big Ben had a big season last year, with 4,258 yards and 28 touchdowns. The reason he remains a sleeper is two-fold. His injury history is downright scary-he missed time for three straight seasons before a healthy 2013 campaign. Second, QB is just deep this season. Still, in a two-QB league he's a great value as a No. 2.
LeGarrette Blount, RB (Standard): As mentioned above, Blount is just a solid, veteran back who can score touchdowns and be very relevant if Bell gets injured.
Defense/Special Teams: The Steelers might give up a bunch of points again this year, but they have serious firepower in the return game with Brown returning punts, and rookie RB Dri Archer returning kicks. They shouldn't go before the last two rounds, of for more than a buck in auction.
Deep Finds (Format):
Martavis Bryant, WR (Standard): Bryant's extremely big for a wide receiver, and might have a little Alshon Jeffery to him if given enough playing time. A swing-for-the-fences type for sure.
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