Steelers vs. Colts: Fantasy Impact

Oct 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant (10) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Houston Texans during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a look at the Fantasy impact of this week’s matchup between the Steelers and the Colts.

Last week, the Steelers found a way to win again with help from their biggest stars. For about three minutes everyone thought that they were travelling back in time. They saw a swarming, opportunistic Steeler defense and a wide receiver throwing for a touchdown. Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown each found a new way to put up points.

The story remains the same for most of the Steelers’ offensive players—Brown and Bell continue to produce. It is a good sign for Bell owners that he’s once again found the end zone. It is clear that Ben Roethlisberger trusts the running back as a receiver and that Bell will continue to rack up yardage. If last week was an indication that they want to help the running back to get some scores, all the better.

Lance Moore and Martavis Bryant will be players to keep an eye on. For two weeks in a row, Moore has been a successful red zone target, but his yardage numbers are weak. Unless he becomes more involved and gets a significant uptick in targets, he’s too risky.

Bryant put up about ten fantasy points in his first game as a pro. He showed the long ball and end zone skills that made the Steelers draft him. He got the opportunity to show his talents and he delivered. He should only continue to get chances. I’d like to see Roethlisberger give Bryant two or three shots down the field each game. Keep an eye on Bryant.

The Steelers forced three turnovers on defense, and both ended up dangerously close to the opposing end zone.

While the defense had some splash plays, they failed to register a sack. Andrew Luck will give them chances to take the ball away, but the Steelers will likely give up too many points to be a viable option as a starting defense.

Speaking of Luck, this quarterback is the jewel of the league. He continues to get better and is throwing for a ridiculous amount of yardage. He has some great weapons around him that can all exploit matchups. Tight end Dwayne Allen will likely give the Steelers some trouble. If Ryan Shazier comes back this week, keep an eye on the linebacker’s ability to stay with the athletic tight end—keep in mind Shazier would be coming off of a knee injury.

Dwayne Allen might be the red zone target, but T.Y. Hilton is leading the Colts in receiving. The shifty receiver has only eight fewer yards than the Steelers’ own A.B. This will be a tough matchup for the Steelers’ struggling secondary.

Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson have had largely equal roles so far this season. Neither has pulled away and neither has been a sure fire scorer on the ground. In the passing game, however, Bradshaw has been a revelation for the Colts. Look for the Colts to involve Bradshaw in the passing game early and often.

Hopefully, the Steelers can stack some wins for the first time this season. If the new fantasy contributors continue their production, then the Steelers might get some help in the win column as well.