Scoring Big with Fantasy Football: A Pittsburgh Steelers Fan's Guide
Hello, fellow fantasy football enthusiasts! If you're here, you're probably as excited as we are about the upcoming season and eager to draft the best Pittsburgh Steelers players for your fantasy team. In this guide, we'll dive deep into the world of fantasy football, with a special focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers. So, grab your Terrible Towel, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football pittsburgh steelers.
Understanding Fantasy Football
Before we dive into the Steelers, let's ensure we're on the same page about fantasy football. In case you're new to the game, here's a quick rundown:
Fantasy football is a game where players act as general managers of virtual teams. You draft real-life NFL players and earn points based on their statistical performance in real games. The goal? To outscore other managers in your league.
Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Matter in Fantasy Football
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rich history in the NFL, and they're a force to be reckoned with in fantasy football as well. With a strong tradition of offensive playmakers and a stout defense, the Steelers have no shortage of fantasy-relevant players. Let's take a closer look at what makes the Steelers a crucial part of any fantasy football strategy.
A Historic Offense
The Steelers' offense has produced some of the greatest fantasy players of all time, from Jerome Bettis and Hines Ward to Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell. While the offense has changed since the days of "The Bus" and "The Batman," it remains a potent force in fantasy football.
A Tenacious Defense
Pittsburgh's defense is no slouch either. Known for their aggressive play and ability to create turnovers, the Steelers' defense can provide valuable fantasy points, especially in leagues that reward defensive stats.
Key Steelers to Target in Your Fantasy Draft
Now that we've established the Steelers' fantasy football credentials, let's look at some key players you should consider drafting in 2021.
Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben is back for his 18th season, and while he's not the same quarterback he was a decade ago, he's still a solid fantasy option. In 2020, Roethlisberger finished as the QB13, throwing for 3,803 yards and 33 touchdowns. With a healthy receiving corps, Ben could return to QB1 status in 2021.
Running Back: Najee Harris
The Steelers selected Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and they're expected to hand him the keys to their backfield. Harris is a powerful runner with excellent receiving skills, making him an enticing fantasy option. In PPR leagues, Harris could be a top-10 running back.
Wide Receiver: JuJu Smith-Schuster
JuJu is coming off an injury-plagued 2020 season, but when healthy, he's a fantasy WR1. With Ben Roethlisberger back under center and Najee Harris drawing attention in the backfield, JuJu could have a bounce-back season in 2021.
Tight End: Eric Ebron
Ebron had a solid first season in Pittsburgh, catching 56 passes for 558 yards and 5 touchdowns. With the Steelers' offense expected to be more pass-heavy in 2021, Ebron could be a sneaky TE1 in fantasy football.
Sleepers and Handcuffs
Wide Receiver: Diontae Johnson
Johnson is already a fantasy WR1, but he could take a significant leap in 2021. With more targets and red-zone opportunities, Johnson could finish as a top-10 fantasy wideout.
Running Back: Anthony McFarland
With Najee Harris set to start, McFarland's fantasy value takes a hit, but he's still worth stashing as a handcuff. If Harris goes down, McFarland would instantly become a top-20 fantasy running back.
Steelers Defense/Special Teams
The Steelers' defense was a fantasy force in 2020, finishing as the D/ST5. With a healthy T.J. Watt and a talented secondary, Pittsburgh's defense could be even better in 2021. Consider them a top-5 D/ST option in fantasy football.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks! The Pittsburgh Steelers are loaded with fantasy football talent, from Ben Roethlisberger to Najee Harris to the formidable defense. By targeting these players in your draft, you'll be well on your way to a championship season.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and draft some Steelers! Remember, it's not just about the Terrible Towel – it's about that fantasy football trophy, too.
Happy drafting, and here's to a fantastic fantasy football season!