Fantasy Player Projections

Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben is facing a subpar pass defense this week in Denver, but he hasn’t had much time to work with both of his starting wide receivers this preseason. He’s still a good start in fantasy, although he did through three picks in last season’s opener.

Jonathan Dwyer

Dwyer rushed for 63 yards in the final preseason game against Carolina, but that was mostly against backups. Even so, the distance between Dwyer and Isaac Redman on the depth chart has narrowed.

Isaac Redman

Much has been made about the mediocrity of the Steelers' running game this preseason. Redman finished up 2011 on a high, but he has to pick it up if he's going to keep Jonathan Dwyer on the bench.

Antonio Brown

There's a great chance 2012 will be the year Antonio Brown becomes a top 10 fantasy receiver. Entering his third year, he has done everything right so far. Don't let his two touchdowns in 2011 fool you.

Mike Wallace

Mike Wallace is no longer sitting on his couch, and he has been practicing this week. Is he completely in shape and familiar with Todd Haley's playbook? Those are the big questions.

Heath Miller

Miller was battling an ankle injury this preseason, but he'll be ready to go. He's someone you end up with more than someone you want to start.

Shaun Suisham

The Steelers' running game woes could end up being a good thing for Suisham. There are several better kickers set for Week 1, but Suisham is someone to watch.

The Steelers always shows up, and fantasy owners love them for that. They allowed less than 100 yards rushing per game last season, and Peyton Manning still has to gel with his new team/offense. Fantasy owners need more turnovers out of this D.

Peyton Manning

It’s Manning’s first regular season game in a jersey other than the Colts or Volunteers. Injuries aren't holding him back yet, but a new offense and an experienced Steelers defense could slow him down.

Willis McGahee

McGahee had a solid preseason, rushing 19 times for 71 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers ranked eighth in the league in rushing yards allowed, however.

Lance Ball

Ball is currently holding the RB2 spot until rookie Ronnie Hillman climbs the depth chart after a preseason hamstring injury.

Demaryius Thomas

The Broncos are going up against the top passing defense from a year ago, when the Steelers kept teams under 172 net passing yards. Thomas, however, is a playmaker and should see the paint at least once. He caught five preseason passes for 53 yards.

Eric Decker

Decker became a favorite among fantasy owners when he caught two touchdown passes from Peyton Manning in the third preseason game. He can box out in the end zone for sure.

Jacob Tamme

Peyton Manning's former teammate with the Colts caught four passes for 43 yards in the preseason. It's very possible we'll be talking about Tamme as a top-five fantasy tight end by Week 17.

Matt Prater

The Steelers are a stout defense, but Manning should definitely be able to move this offense between the 20s. Prater's big leg could have a big day in Mile High.

The Broncos' defense got better as the season wore on last year, but still finished ranked 22nd in the league in rushing defense. Luckily, Denver is facing a mediocre rushing attack in Week 1.