Week 6 vs. Arizona
Bell is averaging over 100 yards rushing per game since his return three weeks ago, and that's been without Ben Roethlisberger the past two weeks. San Diego stacked the box with eight defenders better than half the time last week, and Bell still ran for 111 yards and a score while adding four catches for 16 yards. His reception totals aren't quite what they were with Roethlisberger, but he can still be solid. The Cardinals are just average against the run this year, ranking 16th in fantasy points allowed. Bell is a must-start, even if I'm at quarterback.
Week 5 at San Diego
It doesn't appear you have to worry about De'Angelo Williams stealing any of Bell's touches. Bell saw 22 carries and seven catches last week against the Ravens, turning in a 129-yard, one-touchdown effort on the ground, though he had just 21 through the air. It was the first 100-yard game by an opposing back against the Ravens in 29 games, so you know Bell and the Steelers are licking their chops to go against San Diego, which ranks 31st in the league in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Bell should be a top fantasy back this week.
Week 4 vs Baltimore
Bell returned from suspension with what was an overall effective day, rushing for 62 yards on 19 carries and catching seven passes for 70 yards. He also scored on a 1-yard plunge. His 26 touches were exactly what you wanted when you put him in the lineup. With Ben Roethlisberger out, the Steelers could lean a little more on their running game. But DeAngelo Williams will likely get some of those touches. The Ravens have been so easy to throw the ball against that most opponents haven't run the ball much against them. Bell is such a factor in the passing game, and he'll be solid no matter what. He's a must-start option.
Week 3 at St. Louis
He's back. You likely selected Bell in the first round of your draft knowing he would miss the first two games and were OK with that. Now, you can reap the benefits. Bell is raring to go and the Rams were terrible against the run last week. Bell is a must-start in all formats.
Fantasy Upside
All LeVeon Bell did in his second NFL season was emerge as arguably the best running back in fantasy football. You want rushing yards? He had 1,361 and eight touchdowns. You play in a PPR league? He caught 83 passes for 854 yards and three more scores. His 2,215 total yards from scrimmage were second only to DeMarco Murray, and while Murray was more productive on the ground, Bell was equally more productive catching the ball. And at 23, Bell is only getting better.
Fantasy Downside
Bell is slated to serve a two-game suspension for a DUI and marijuana possession charge to start the season. so you’re guaranteed to be missing him for the first part of the season.
Bottom Line
Despite the suspension, Bell should be one of the first running backs selected in any fantasy format. In fact, if your competitors pass on the talented running back, don’t let him fall any farther than pick No. 2 or 3. Anything lower than that is an absolute steal. He was remarkably consistent in 2014 and should be ready to hit the ground running when his suspension is over. Bell is an absolute fantasy stud.
Le'Veon Bell Wildcard game vs. Ravens
When I saw LeVeon Bell Monday, he could barely walk. By Wednesday, he was walking around without a limp. But that doesn't mean he'll be playing this week after suffering a hyperextended right knee in Pittsburgh's win over Cincinnati last Sunday. It appears rookie Josh Harris will get the start against Baltimore.
Le'Veon Bell Week 17 vs. Bengals
LeVeon Bell was limited to 63 yards rushing on 20 carries last week but did score his seventh rushing TD in the past five games. He also was limited to a season-low one reception as Kansas City was intent on not allowing him to run wild. He faces a Cincinnati defense this week that he tortured for 185 yards rushing and 50 receiving just three weeks ago. He also scored three touchdowns in that game. There's no reason to believe he shouldn't have another big game in him this week.
LeVeon Bell Week 16 vs. Chiefs
The best thing that happened in fantasy football this season was the Steelers' decision to let Bell be the lone running back they've used over the past month. He's gotten 100 carries in the past four games, adding 21 receptions as well. Bell was bottled up on the ground last week, picking up 47 yards on 20 carries, but scored twice and had five catches for 72 yards. He's such a big part of the passing game that he's impossible to shut down. Kansas City allows 4.9 yards per carry and Bell should be a strong start again this week.
LeVeon Bell Week 15 vs. Falcons
What do you give a back for Christmas who is coming off three consecutive 200-plus yard games, including 185 rushing, 50 receiving and three scores last week? How about a meeting with Atlanta, who has been horrible stopping the run this season. The Falcons have allowed 17 rushing touchdowns this season. Bell is a clear-cut stud this week.
LeVeon Bell Week 14 vs. Bengals
LeVeon Bell had 21 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown and added another 159 yards on eight receptions last week as he went over 200 total yards for the second consecutive game. He's played nearly all the snaps in the past two weeks as well and will continue to do so with LeGarrette Blount now gone. Cincinnati has given up 13 rushing touchdowns this season. While the Steelers might not throw for a lot of yardage this week, they should have plenty of success running it. Bell should be an outstanding start yet again.
