AP Photo/Julie Jacobson
The Steelers are playoff football team when they can play their starters. However, Mike Wallace needs to fill in for Santonio Holmes without a hitch and I think that will happen. The real problem though is obviously the four or six game suspension to QB Ben Roethlisberger. No one can fill that void in terms of the fantasy impact on Hines Ward, Mike Wallace and Rashard Mendenhall. And now with the injury to Willie Colon the Steelers need to find a new right tackle to solidify the line as Colon appears to be out for the season. Most people will be listing Wallace as a sleeper, and he could be… I just do not think he is quite as talented as Santonio Holmes so keep your expectations realistic.
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Rashard Mendenhall – The above mentioned impact on Mendenhall is actually a positive one. During the Roethlisberger suspension, Mendenhall will be used heavily and will be carrying a large load of the offense for that time. Oh, and with a balanced attack after the suspension he’ll do just fine too.
Ben Roethlisberger – Obviously he is going to fall in drafts, but if your starting QB does not have a bye week until after week 5 then Ben is the best backup you could ask for!
Hines Ward – Tough to predict how a possession wide receiver will do, especially as he ages. With the first four weeks a total question mark, Ward is a WR3 or flex option.
The AFC North is, in my opinion, not really up for grabs this year. The smart money to win it this year is the Ravens… Hands down! The Browns are almost sure to be basement dwellers again this time around and with Big Ben out for at least 4 games the Steelers ought to be too far back from the outset but they will have a chance to compete for a wild card run.
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