The Steelers got a genuine steal in getting running back Rashard Mendenhall so late in the first round of the NFL Draft. Willie Parker, with Mendenhall able to spell him periodically, should make a nice one two punch and keep the Steelers strong tradition in a strong running game going strong. Mendenhall might hurt Parker’s fantasy numbers a little as the year progresses but Parker is still the a fantasy starter with his ability to rack up yards and on the ground and as well as through the air. I would expect Mendenhall to have a similar yeah to Najeh Davenport last season, not extrememly impressive but a few nice weeks and a decent number of scores.
Big Ben was definitely the fantasy star of last season from this team as he accrued 32 touchdown passes. I am not a big fan of Big Ben but he has proven to me that I have underestimated him as he had a 104+QB Rating last season. I don’t expect as good a year for Big Ben however if he is out there at good value he might be worth drafting as your starting QB, depending who else is on the board of course. Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes also are not top tier at their posistion, but good solid fantasy players none the less and should be picked up if the price is right.
Steelers 2008 NFL Schedule
- Week 1- Sep 7 Houston 1:00pm
- Week 2- Sep 14 @Cleveland 8:15pm
- Week 3- Sep 21 @Philadelphia 4:15pm
- Week 4- Sep 29 Baltimore 8:30pm
- Week 5- Oct 5 @Jacksonville 8:15pm
- Week 6- BYE
- Week 7- Oct 19 @Cincinnati 1:00pm
- Week 8- Oct 26 N.Y. Giants 4:15pm
- Week 9- Nov 3 @Washington 8:30pm
- Week 10- Nov 9 Indianapolis 4:15pm
- Week 11- Nov 16 San Diego 4:15pm
- Week 12- Nov 20 Cincinnati 8:15pm
- Week 13- Nov 30 @New England 4:15pm
- Week 14- Dec 7 Dallas 4:15pm
- Week 15- Dec 14 @Baltimore 1:00pm
- Week 16- Dec 21 @Tennessee 1:00pm
- Week 17- Dec 28 Cleveland 1:00pm
2008 NFL Draft Picks
1. RB Rashard Mendenhall Illinois
2. WR Limas Sweed Texas
3. DE Bruce Davis UCLA
4. OT Tony Hills Texas
5. QB Dennis Dixon Oregon
6. OLB Mike Humpal Iowa
7. FS Ryan Mundy West Virginia