LeVeon Bell Week 2 vs. Ravens
All those people fretting about Le'Veon Bell sharing carries with LeGarrette Blount needn't have worried. Bell got a healthy 27 touches last week (21 carries, six receptions) and responded with a career-high 197 total yards and a touchdown. Blount, meanwhile, got four carries, though one did go for a score. Bell was very productive against the Ravens last season, gaining 166 yards and a touchdown on the ground and catching eight passes for another 69 yards. There's no benching Bell now. He's a No. 1 running back.
LeVeon Bell Week 1 vs Cleveland
I've been saying all along that LeVeon Bell is going to get the bulk of the carries for the Steelers this season and that looks as if it will be the case. And he won't be leaving the field on third downs, either. Despite Cleveland ranking as a top-10 defense overall last season, the Browns were 23rd among fantasy defenses in terms of points allowed to opposing running backs. Bell had 170 yards rushing and a touchdown in two games against Cleveland in 2013. He'll be a factor in the passing game as well, especially if Lance Moore doesn't play. He's a low-end No. 1, high-end No. 2 start this week.
Fantasy Upside
Le'Veon Bell was one of just a handful of running backs to average 90 total yards per start last season. He also averaged more than 20 touches per game. Despite missing three games to open the season, Bell set a Steelers’ rookie record with 1,259 total yards from scrimmage. He’s an adept receiver, as well, adding value in PPR leagues with 45 receptions.
Fantasy Downside
The addition of LeGarrette Blount and rookie Dri Archer could steal some touches at the goal line and as a receiver.
Bottom Line
The Steelers are intent on having their offense run through Bell. He’ll continue to get 20 touches per game in a variety of ways. Bell’s current ADP is 16, and while some owners might be scared away by the addition of Blount and Archer, Bell should live up to that draft status. I would expect him to approach 1,500 total yards this season, with a healthy portion of that coming as a receiver, where he’ll add value in PPR leagues. He scored eight times in 2013 and should easily approach that total again in 2014.
