A return to smash-mouth football seems likely in Pittsburgh, as the team didn't make the plays with a fun-and-gun offense. With the Bengals returning to respectability and the Ravens upgrading on offense, the AFC North will be difficult to win.

Below, we have the Steelers 2010-2011 regular season schedule for you to view as we inch closer to the beginning of the NFL season.

We also have the fantasy relevant players for Pittsburgh, and a breakdown for all NFL teams in schedule strength in win/loss, against the pass, run, and points.

Fantasy Players

• Ben Roethlisberger
• Rashard Mendenhall
• Hines Ward
• Mike Wallace
• Heath Miller
• Steelers Defense
• Jonathan Dwyer
• Cameron Heyward
• James Farrior
• James Harrison
• LaMarr Woodley
• Lawrence Timmons
• Bryant McFadden
• Troy Polamalu

Strength of Schedules

Win/ Loss | Against the Pass | Against the Run | Points Against

Audio: Pittsburgh Steelers 2010-2011 Schedule

Audio: Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 - 2011 Schedule Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 - 2011 Schedule - Printable Download Able

Run-First Approach

After missing the playoffs, the Steelers fan base and ownership seemed to be admit about a return to running the football. A return to pounding the football became even more obvious once Santonio Holmes was traded.

Since the Steelers have more Super Bowl victories than any franchise, a return to their roots seems likely and that should mean good things for Rashard Mendenhall.

If the offensive line can open holes for the former first-round pick, he could become a very solid No. 2 fantasy back this season.

Still, if the team fails to run the football early on, it could abandon ship and return to the passing game. This will be an interesting season for Pittsburgh's offense.

Defensive Rebound

The defense had a down season without Troy Polamalu, but I wouldn’t bet on this squad having two down years in a row.

With loads of talent and a great defensive coordinator, the Steelers should return to a top five fantasy defense again in 2010.

NFL fantasy football player rankings writer Sean E. Douglas: fantasy-info.com . For more fantasy football news and advice feel free to follow and interact with us at our facebook , twitter and blog talk radio pages. Good luck, in your 2010 fantasy football league.