Week 1 at New England
The 2014 co-leader in passing yards heads into 2015 with a favorable matchup, as the Patriots have basically re-worked their entire secondary. The Steelers figure to have to throw the ball a lot to keep up with New England, and Roethlisberger is a solid bet for 300-plus yards this week and at least a couple of scores.
Fantasy Upside
Ben Roethlisberger is coming off perhaps his best overall statistical NFL season, one in which he matched Drew Brees for the NFL lead in total yards passing with 4,952 to go along with 32 touchdown passes. The offense returns intact and, with young receivers such as Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton emerging, it could be even better.
Fantasy Downside
Roethlisberger is now 33, so there is a question regarding how long he can play at a high level. Also, without LeVeon Bell in the playoffs last season, he and the Pittsburgh offense struggled. As of this writing, Bell remains suspended for the first three games of the season, so the offense could sputter early.
Bottom line
After Bryant was inserted into the lineup following a Week 6 loss at Cleveland last year, the Steelers’ offense average 29.9 points per game the rest of the season, including the playoffs. Look for more of that as Roethlisberger now has total command of Todd Haley’s offense. There’s no reason he shouldn’t be a top-five quarterback this season, both in reality and fantasy football. 5,000 yards and 35 touchdown passes are within reach. He’s played in all 16 games in two consecutive seasons, so injuries aren’t as big a concern as they were earlier in his career as well.
Ben Roethlisberger Wildcard game vs. Ravens
Ben Roethlisberger fought through a bout with the flu last week to throw for 317 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against the Bengals to cap off a season in which he tied Drew Brees for the NFL lead in passing yards. Now, he gets to face the Baltimore Ravens at home, where he torched their secondary for 340 yards and six touchdowns in the previous meeting. With LeVeon Bell not expected to play, the Ravens will likely have little respect for Pittsburgh's running game. But Roethlisberger should have some success throwing the ball - if the weather permits. Forecasts for the game are calling for rain/snow and temperatures in the 30s. Even without Bell, who caught 83 passes for 854 yards this season, Roethlisberger still has four other receivers who had 500 or more yards to whom he can distribute the ball - including Antonio Brown. He should be a strong start if the weather cooperates.
Ben Roethlisberger Week 17 vs. Bengals
Ben Roethlisberger threw for just 220 yards and a touchdown last week against Kansas City but now faces a Cincinnati defense he torched for 350 yards and three scores just three weeks ago. With the division title on the line Sunday night, the Steelers will pull out all of the stops against the Bengals this time around. Cincinnati had a strong game against Peyton Manning Monday night and has good overall numbers against the pass. But if they load up to stop LeVeon Bell, Roethlisberger could have a strong game.
Ben Roethlisberger Week 16 vs. Chiefs
Ben Roethlisberger was efficient last week, throwing for 360 yards. But he failed to throw a TD pass for just the second time this season. Kansas City's pass defense has been tough this season, allowing one TD pass in eight of 14 games. But when the Chiefs have played a good QB - Denver, New England, San Diego and Seattle - it has been exposed. Against those four teams, the Chiefs have given up 11 TD passes in five games. Don't write Roethlisberger off at home.
Ben Roethlisberger Week 15 vs. Falcons
So much for the wrist "injury." Ben Roethlisberger had perhaps his best road showing of the season, throwing for 350 yards and three scores in a win at Cincinnati. It was remarkable considering the Bengals had given up just 11 TD passes entering the game. Now he faces an Atlanta defense that has allowed 292 or more passing yards nine times this season. Roethlisberger should be a strong start this week.
Ben Roethlisberger Week 14 vs. Bengals
Ben Roethlisberger is confounding in real life, starting last week's game just 8-22 for 115 yards in the first half. He finished, however, with 435 yards and two touchdowns. He faces a tough Cincinnati passing defense this week that has allowed an NFL-low 12 touchdown passes. And it's on the road, where Roethlisberger has thrown just six touchdown passes in six games. There are stronger fantasy starts this week, even though Roethlisberger has been a solid fantasy producer. Forget about any reports of a wrist injury for Roethlisberger. They just aren't true.
Ben Roethlisberger Week 13 vs. Saints
The Steelers went run-heavy last week and Ben Roethlisberger responded with just 207 yards and one touchdown at Tennessee. He's been much better at home this season, where he has thrown 18 touchdown passes. New Orleans has been dreadful defensively this season in all phases. Look for Roethlisberger to have a very nice bounce back game.
Ben Roethlisberger Week 11 vs. Titans
A disturbing trend is developing for Ben Roethlisberger. After throwing for 343 yards but just one touchdown last week at New York against the Jets, Roethlibserger now has five touchdown passes in five road games and 18 at home. How's that for a differential? The Titans have allowed one or fewer touchdown passes in seven of nine games this season, though they did give up a combined seven in back-to-back games against Indianapolis and Cleveland. Roethlisberger should be solid, but don't expect another 6 TD game.
Ben Roethlisberger Week 10 vs. Jets
What should be the perfect gift for Roethlisberger owners, who have seen him put up over 850 yards and 12 touchdown passes in the past two weeks? How about the New York Jets defense. The Jets have allowed 24 touchdown passes this season, six more than the next closest team. Maybe you didn't have him in the lineup two weeks ago, but you almost certainly had to play him last week. This week, you've got no reason to have him on your bench.
