Drafting a Fantasy Football Champion: A Pittsburgh Steelers Perspective

Alright, fantasy football enthusiasts! It's that time of year again when we're all gearing up for our drafts, and if you're a Pittsburgh Steelers fan like me, you're extra excited. Today, we're going to dive into how you can draft a fantasy football champion while keeping an eye on the black and gold. So, grab your Terrible Towel, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football steelers.

Understanding Your League and Draft Strategy

Before we start picking players, let's talk about your league settings and draft strategy. Are you in a standard league, or is it PPR (points per reception)? How many teams are there, and what's the roster size? Knowing these details will help you make informed decisions during the draft.

For instance, if you're in a Steelers fan league, you might want to prioritize drafting Steelers players, even if it's not the most strategic move. But remember, the goal is to win, not just root for your favorite team!

Quarterbacks: Big Ben and Beyond

Let's start with the most important position: quarterback. If you're a Steelers fan, you're probably considering Ben Roethlisberger as your starter. But is he the best choice for your fantasy team?

Big Ben has been a reliable fantasy QB for years, but his age and injury history might give you pause. In 2020, he threw for 3,803 yards, 33 TDs, and 10 INTs, but he also missed two games due to injury. If you're in a 2-QB league or prefer a safer option, you might want to consider other quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson.

If you do decide to go with Roethlisberger, make sure you have a solid backup plan. A Steelers fan favorite, Dwayne Haskins, was signed this offseason, and he could be a decent QB2 if you're in a deeper league.

Running Backs: The Steelers' Backfield

Now let's talk about the Steelers' running backs. Last year, we saw a committee approach with James Conner, Benny Snell Jr., and Anthony McFarland Jr.. Conner is now with the Arizona Cardinals, so the door is open for one of the remaining backs to step up.

Snell Jr. has shown promise, but he's been inconsistent. McFarland Jr. showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, but he's still unproven. The Steelers also drafted Najee Harris in the first round this year, who many believe will be the featured back.

In fantasy, it's all about opportunity, so keep an eye on who's getting the most touches in training camp and preseason. Whoever that is, he's likely to be a steal in your draft.

Wide Receivers: T.J. and Chase... and Juju Too!

The Steelers' wide receiver corps is always a popular target in fantasy drafts. Last year, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Chase Claypool both had breakout seasons, while T.J. Watt's brother, T.J. Hockenson, had a solid year as well.

Smith-Schuster is back for another year, and Claypool is entering his second season. The Steelers also drafted Pat Freiermuth in the second round, who could provide a boost to the tight end position.

If you're drafting in a PPR league, Smith-Schuster and Claypool are both great options. They're both young, talented, and have Big Ben throwing them the ball. Freiermuth could also be a sneaky sleeper pick at tight end.

Defense/Special Teams: The Steel Curtain Returns?

The Steelers' defense has been a bit of a rollercoaster in recent years, but there's reason to be optimistic in 2021. They've added some pieces in the draft and free agency, and if the offense can stay on the field, the defense could be in for a bounce-back year.

In fantasy, the Steelers' D/ST could be a sneaky pick, especially if you're in a league that rewards turnovers. They've always had a knack for forcing fumbles, and if they can get some sacks (hello, T.J. Watt!), they could be a top-10 defense.

Final Thoughts

Alright, Steelers fans, we've covered a lot of ground here. Remember, the key to a successful fantasy draft is to stay flexible and adapt to what's happening around you. Don't be married to a specific player or strategy, and always be ready to pivot if necessary.

And most importantly, have fun! It's fantasy football, after all. So, grab your Terrible Towel, and let's go win some championships!

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