QB: Ben Roethlisberger [QB2: Charlie Batch]
FM(The Scoop): Big Ben Roethlisberger has been in the news lately, and seemingly for all the wrong reasons (motorcycle accident). Since entering the league two years ago, Big Ben has posted a 26-5 record and already has a Super Bowl ring for his finger. FM(+): Heading into 2006, Roethlisberger is a prime candidate to take his game to an entirely new level. The Steelers run through the playoffs last season showcased his ability as a passer, and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt opened up the playbook, turning the normally run-oriented Steelers into a passing machine. FM(-): With the injuries suffered in the accident, its possible Roethlisberger will miss some training camp, and the likelihood of him starting the regular season opener is still in doubt. Bottom Line: Big Ben is the type of QB who holds more value as a real-life QB than as a fantasy QB, but when healthy, can still post solid numbers as a decent QB1, or a great QB2.

RB: Willie Parker [RB2: Duce Staley, RB3: Verron Haynes]
FM(The Scoop): Willie Parker enters the 2006 season as the unquestioned starter in Pittsburgh, and with the retirement of Jerome Bettis, it will be interesting to see how things shake down given the Steelers propensity to pound the ball once they grab the lead. FM(+): Parker has the ability to score from anywhere on the field (as seen in his 75 yard TD run against Seattle in the Super Bowl). Parker put up over 1200 rushing yards on 255 carries last season, though he wasnt much of a factor in the passing game (18 catches, 218 yards, 1 TD), mainly because Pittsburgh does not throw many passes to their backs. FM(-): The TDs might be on the lower side since backups Duce Staley and Verron Haynes will likely be in around the goal-line, so Parker will need to score from outside the 5 yard-line to get his points. Bottom Line: He makes a pretty good RB2 if you decide to go WR with one of your first two picks, but makes for a better RB3 unless he starts seeing the goal-line love.

WR:Hines Ward, Cedrick Wilson [WR3: Santonio Holmes, WR4: Willie Reid]
FM(The Scoop): Hines Ward finished the year as the #10 ranked fantasy WR, and played a big role in the Steelers run to the Super Bowl last season. Wilson slides into the #2 WR role for now, taking over for the departed Antwan Randle El. He will likely split time with 1st round draft choice Santonio Holmes. Though rookie WRs dont usually make an immediate impact, Holmes is positioned well to at least see some opportunities to show what he can do. If successful early on, Holmes could easily vault past Wilson into the #2 role. Willie Reid and Quincy Morgan round out the WR depth chart, though neither have much (if any) fantasy value. FM(+): Ward tallied 11 TDs, marking the thid time in the last four years he has scored double-digit touchdowns. Ward is the unquestioned #1 WR in this offense, though he will probably lose some redzone looks to Heath Miller. FM(-): Ward saw his receptions and receiving yards fall for the third consecutive year. With the Steelers often jumping out to an early lead, Ward and the passing game were often rendered meaningless in the second half as the gameplan called for lots of running and stout defense. Bottom Line: We see Ward rebounding and posting better reception and yardage totals, though the TDs might slip a little bit. Wilson and Holmes will split the #2 WR stats, so neither makes a good fantasy play, though Holmes has more upside and could be worth a look as the year progresses.

TE: Heath Miller [TE2: Jerame Tuman]
FM(The Scoop): Heath Miller was the Steelers first round draft choice in 2005 (pick #30 overall), and certainly lived up to the expectations with his performance during his rookie campaign. Miller had 459 yards receiving along with 6 TDs, and finished the season as the #11 TE overall. FM(+): Miller also proved to be a big factor near the endzone, finishing 2nd to Hines Ward in redzone targets. With good size and soft hands, Miller should continue to be a big part of the Steelers passing game. FM(-): Of concern, however, is the fact that Miller was held to 2 or fewer catches in half of his regular season games (8 times), including 3 games where he was shutout completely. Bottom Line: The Steelers are a run-first team, so opportunities will be limited, but there should be enough to make Miller a top-10 TE this year.

PK:Jeff Reed [No competition]
FM(The Scoop): Jeff Reed kicks in a tough place for kickers (Heinz Field), but his numbers indicate that he has a pretty good handle on the conditions (namely wind, sometimes rain/snow). FM(+): Reed nailed 24/29 field goals in 2005, and converted all of his PATs (45/45). Reed has no competition and it would take several poor performances to even make the Steelers consider other options. FM(-): The offense can be conservative in the 2nd half and might not move the ball as effectively, thus limiting his FG opportunities. Bottom Line: Though he might not have the name recognition of other top fantasy kickers, you can nab Reed late in your draft after most of the top kickers are off the board and still have a shot at having a top-5 kicker.

D:3-4 Scheme [#4 Fantasy D in 2005]
FM(The Scoop):The Steelers defense has been known to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, and 2005 was no exception. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau loves to zone-blitz. FM(+): Pittsburgh finished 3rd in the league in sacks (47), tied for third in fewest points allowed (258), and caused 30 turnovers. They have several playmakers on defense, including Troy Palamalu and Joey Porter. FM(-): The D plays much better with a lead, so its important for the Steelers to get ahead early. If they fall behind, the defense wont be able to take the risks that make them so successful. Bottom Line: They are a top-5 fantasy defense, and theres no reason to see them finish anywhere but inside the top-10 in 2006.

FM Player Projections:

Ben Roethlisberger: 2900 yards passing, 22 TDs, 10 INT (1-2 games missed)
Willie Parker:280 carries, 1250 yards, 6 TD (24 receptions, 250 yards, 1 TD)
Hines Ward: 77 rec., 1055 yds, 8 TD
Cedrick Wilson: 40 rec., 575 yds, 4 TD
Santonio Holmes: 37 rec., 520 yds, 3 TD
Heath Miller: 46 rec., 545 yds, 6 TD
Jeff Reed: FG: 26/31 | XP: 42/42