The Pittsburgh Steelers won their second consecutive game last week, a 17-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, to improve to 4-2 on the season. Ben Roethlisberger's final numbers (12-23, 200 yards, 1 TD) were fairly pedestrian considering how well he played in the first half; Rashard Mendenhall posted his first 100-yard game of the season (23rushes, 146 yards, 1 TD); Mike Wallace led all Steelers players with 76 yards despite catching only two passes, one of which was a touchdown. Defensively, the Steelers again failed to register a turnover, but their five sacks gave fantasy owners some help.
As for potential fantasy football plays in Week 7 when the Steelers travel to Phoenix to play the Arizona Cardinals, here's a few things to consider when setting your lineup this week:
- Even though Kevin Kolb has struggled so far in his five games as the Cardinals starter, it might not be the best week to play the Steelers defense. Firstly, Ken Whisenhunt has had two weeks to prepare his team for Dick LeBeau's defense. Whisenhunt knows what he's doing and I'm sure he'll have a good game plan for Week 7. Secondly, the Steelers might be without both Casey Hampton and Chris Hoke -- the two top nose tackles on the roster. If so, the Cardinals might be able to run the ball fairly well, which in turn would open up ample opportunities in the passing game and on play-action. Don't be surprised if Kolb has a solid game on Sunday.
- Ben Roethlisberger might have a big game against Arizona's 20th ranked pass defense. The Cardinals have surrendered an average of 258 yards per game through the air, and have forced only seven turnovers so far this year, though it is worth noting that that figure has come in one fewer game than Pittsburgh has played.
- Don't be surprised if Rashard Mendenhall follows up his big game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with another solid outing against Ray Horton's defense. The Cardinals have allowed 118.8 yards per game on the ground. Even though Rashard Mendenhall is not at full strength physically, I expect him to again run hard and break at least one or two 20-40 yard runs on Sunday.