After last night's pretty surprising comeback, I decided to look up whether this was the first time a Ben Roethlisberger-led Steelers team came back from 10+ down in the 4th to win on the road (pouring through stats is one of my favorite pastimes). Turns out this was the fifth time, with the last time coming in 2014 against the Titans. Since 2014, of course, Ben's been pretty awful on the road, averaging roughly a TD per game. And he and Pittsburgh's receiving corps looked out-matched until nearly halfway through the 3rd.
Although Baltimore is never an easy out, the Steelers have a good shot at closing the season at least 3-1. Their Week 15 date with the Patriots likely will decide which team earns home-field advantage.
For their part, the Patriots should easily go 3-0 against the Dolphins, Bills, and Jets. As a result, Pittsburgh can afford to lose to Baltimore and still clinch the #1 seed with a win against the Pats. That Week 15 contest--Ben vs. Brady--could be one of the last two times we see these two face off. It'll probably be the highest rated regular season game of the season. And it should be.
But back to fantasy: Joe Mixon's concussion could make Gio Bernard a must-start RB at home next week against Chicago. If Mixon sits, fire up Gio as a potential PPR RB1. He'd be yet another example of a come-out-of-nowhere stud player helping managers win a fantasy playoff game. It happens every year.
Of course, Gio is not a come-out-of-nowhere player. Cincy started the season with two former every-down backs and a highly touted rookie with bell-cow capabilities. Judged solely by rushing efficiency, Gio has lost a step in recent years. But he arguably remains a top 10 pass-catching RB, meaning we shouldn't be surprised if he earns 25+ touches Sunday. And he's avaiable in 78% of ESPN leagues.
On the defensive side of the ball, everyone should be rostering the Patriots DST (40% available). My sixth ranked fantasy DST this preseason, the unit was downright awful to start the season, earning a combined minus-1 points in its first five games. But they've yielded only 58 points to opposing teams in the past six games and, as mentioned above, have at least two must-start games remaining (against the mistake-prone Jay Cutler and the mistake-prone Nathan Peterman). Currently the 17th highest scoring fantasy DST, New England has 61 points in its past five games and should finish strong.
Gronk's suspension (assuming he loses the appeal) opens the door for any number of guys to step up. I won't claim to know who. But whenever Brandin Cooks has had a quiet game this season, he's bounced back to startability the following week.
Adrian Peterson is questionable for next week. If he sits, don't bet on Kerwynn Williams against the Tennessee D that's brutal against the run.
Alex Collins is dealing with migraines. If he sits Sunday in Pittsburgh, neither Terrance West nor Buck Allen nor Danny Woodhead will be startable. If Collins ends up starting, he'll be a very risky option.
Finally, do not sleep on Eli Manning (70% available). Head coach Ben McAdoo and GM Jerry Reese are out, and there's buzz that Eli could return this weekend. He'll have a plus matchup against Dallas and should give desperate fantasy managers at minimum a 250/2 line.
Although Baltimore is never an easy out, the Steelers have a good shot at closing the season at least 3-1. Their Week 15 date with the Patriots likely will decide which team earns home-field advantage.
For their part, the Patriots should easily go 3-0 against the Dolphins, Bills, and Jets. As a result, Pittsburgh can afford to lose to Baltimore and still clinch the #1 seed with a win against the Pats. That Week 15 contest--Ben vs. Brady--could be one of the last two times we see these two face off. It'll probably be the highest rated regular season game of the season. And it should be.
But back to fantasy: Joe Mixon's concussion could make Gio Bernard a must-start RB at home next week against Chicago. If Mixon sits, fire up Gio as a potential PPR RB1. He'd be yet another example of a come-out-of-nowhere stud player helping managers win a fantasy playoff game. It happens every year.
Of course, Gio is not a come-out-of-nowhere player. Cincy started the season with two former every-down backs and a highly touted rookie with bell-cow capabilities. Judged solely by rushing efficiency, Gio has lost a step in recent years. But he arguably remains a top 10 pass-catching RB, meaning we shouldn't be surprised if he earns 25+ touches Sunday. And he's avaiable in 78% of ESPN leagues.
On the defensive side of the ball, everyone should be rostering the Patriots DST (40% available). My sixth ranked fantasy DST this preseason, the unit was downright awful to start the season, earning a combined minus-1 points in its first five games. But they've yielded only 58 points to opposing teams in the past six games and, as mentioned above, have at least two must-start games remaining (against the mistake-prone Jay Cutler and the mistake-prone Nathan Peterman). Currently the 17th highest scoring fantasy DST, New England has 61 points in its past five games and should finish strong.
Gronk's suspension (assuming he loses the appeal) opens the door for any number of guys to step up. I won't claim to know who. But whenever Brandin Cooks has had a quiet game this season, he's bounced back to startability the following week.
Adrian Peterson is questionable for next week. If he sits, don't bet on Kerwynn Williams against the Tennessee D that's brutal against the run.
Alex Collins is dealing with migraines. If he sits Sunday in Pittsburgh, neither Terrance West nor Buck Allen nor Danny Woodhead will be startable. If Collins ends up starting, he'll be a very risky option.
Finally, do not sleep on Eli Manning (70% available). Head coach Ben McAdoo and GM Jerry Reese are out, and there's buzz that Eli could return this weekend. He'll have a plus matchup against Dallas and should give desperate fantasy managers at minimum a 250/2 line.