This week kicks off another entry of our fantasy football prediction blog. Steelers face off against the 1-3 Detroit Lions at Ford Field at 1pm today. The Steelers will be visiting Ford Field for the first time since capturing their fifth Lombardi Trophy during Super Bowl XL.
Unlike previous versions of our fantasy focus articles, this one will only feature Pittsburgh Steelers players.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger – The Detroit Lions have given up more points than any other team in the NFL to opposing quarterbacks in fantasy football. Roethlisberger should be in for a big game today against a struggling Lion’s defense. However, if the Steelers jump out to a big lead early, Roethlisberger could be pulled or you’ll see a heavy dosage of Rashard Mendenhall. The Steelers won’t run up the score and pad stats.
Rashard Mendenhall – With Willie Parker out with a turf toe injury, second year pro Rashard Mendenhall could be in for another huge day against the 20th ranked Lion’s run defense. Last week, Mendenhall had his breakout game against the Chargers totaling 165 yards and 2 touchdowns against the San Diego Chargers defense. Mendenhall will receive the majority of the carries except on certain 3rd down situations where he’ll be relieved my Mewelde Moore.
Heath Miller – On pace for 96 receptions, Heath Miller is on pace for his best season of his career. Miller is underrated in most NFL circles, but he’s in for his first pro bowl season of his career. Miller has been getting open in the middle of the field and is an obvious mismatch for many teams. With Santonio Holmes receiving double coverage, Miller is seeing more balls thrown his way. Last week against the San Diego Chargers, Miller had 70 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns.
Santonio Holmes – He has been targeted by Roethlisberger more than any other player, Holmes is due for a big game. Even though Holmes has been seeing double coverage as the Steelers #1 receiver, he’s got the speed to beat those double teams and make plays deep down field. Outside of week 1, Holmes has been quiet thus far this year; expect him to have close to 100 yards and a TD today against a weak Lion’s secondary.
