Here's a look at the Steelers' fantasy outlook this week against the Jets, along with notes about ESPN's rankings. A lot of what you think about the Steelers' fantasy options right now probably depends on your view of their lack of touchdowns in the past few games. They've still gotten their share of yards, so the touchdowns should return - and if they do, they'll be worth a lot more to your fantasy team.
Ben Roethlisberger (No. 12 among quarterbacks): The Jets haven't been bad at defending the pass and Roethlisberger hasn't exactly been a fantasy stud the past few weeks, but I wouldn't give up on him yet. He has only one touchdown in the last three games, but he has piled up yards, and if he continues to do that, the touchdowns will come. If your backup quarterback has a favorable matchup this week, then go ahead and start him, but I wouldn't have any problem starting Roethlisberger.
Rashard Mendenhall (No. 14 among running backs): The Jets have been excellent at stopping the run, and after a 36-carry game against the Bills, Mendenhall has had two games where he's been relatively quiet. He's a clear start if your league has two starting running back spots, obviously, but this isn't a great matchup for him.
Mike Wallace (No. 16 among wide receivers): In the past few weeks, Wallace's stock has fallen a bit among fantasy ratings gurus, but that's really a function of the Steelers not scoring touchdowns. Wallace has posted 76 and 78 yards receiving in the past two games, which is fine. He's still an elite fantasy receiver.
Hines Ward (No. 30 among wide receivers): I've been leery of Ward throughout the season, but that's just because 30-something wide receivers make me a little bit jittery. He's still valuable, but he's been extremely inconsistent all year. He had a big game against the Bengals, but that might have had something to do with fellow short-yardage target Heath Miller being out. Miller will be back this week. Still, Ward has two hundred-yard games in his past three, so he can't be ignored completely.
Heath Miller (No. 25 among tight ends): The most shocking thing about Miller appearing on ESPN's most-dropped list was that he's still owned in almost 40 percent of leagues. You don't need him in yours - he's a good player, but not a good fantasy player.
Shaun Suisham (unranked among kickers): Picking a kicker for your fantasy team is a pretty silly exercise, but if you're not in love with yours and you're a Steelers fan anyway, why not Suisham? He's 9-for-9 in field goals as a Steeler, including 6-for-6 from 40 yards or more.
Steelers (No. 1 among defenses): Yes, please! The strongest aspect of the Jets' offense is the run, which the Steelers are the best team in football at stopping. Quarterback Mark Sanchez, meanwhile, has one touchdown and five interceptions in his past three games. Oh, and the Steelers defense hasn't allowed more than 16 points since it played the Patriots five weeks ago.