Super Bowl Fantasy: Love/Like/Hate

Time to weigh in on this weekend's Super Bowl matchups.

Quarterbacks

Love: Kurt Warner—The Arizona Cardinals are a great passing team, and even though they are facing a great Pittsburgh defense, I’d still take Warner over Big Ben. Warner gets rid of the ball quickly, and Larry Fitzgerald has been amazing. The extra week off should be great for Anquan Boldin.

Like: Ben Roethlisberger—If Arizona’s offense puts up points on Pittsburgh, it will be Big Ben’s job to do the same for the Steelers. I expect a decent game for Ben, but statistically worse than Warner.

Running Backs

Like: Willie Parker—I expect Parker to have a game somewhere in the middle of his previous two playoff contests this season. Parker opened with a monster game against San Diego and was held in check against Baltimore. 

He won’t go off, but he will produce. I expect him to be the top producing running back between the two teams.

Edgerrin James—Edge won’t have a monster game, but he should put up decent yardage to keep Pittsburgh honest.

Tim Hightower—Like in the NFC Championship game, I don’t expect a ton of yardage, but I could see a score.

Hate: Mewelde Moore/Gary Russell/J.J. Arrington—There are usually unsung heroes in Super Bowls, but I wouldn’t count on anyone from this trio to make a fantasy splash.

Wide Receivers

Love: Larry Fitzgerald—He is proving that he is the best receiver in the game. It’s not even close right now. Pittsburgh is probably the team most capable of stopping him, but that’s a tall order.

Like: Anquan Boldin—The extra rest should do Boldin’s body good. Fitz will command a lot of attention, making Boldin dangerous.

Santonio Holmes—Holmes is proving to be a big play guy in the playoffs for the Steelers. I’m expecting at least one big play from him against the Cardinals.

Hines Ward—He’s so tough that I just can’t bet against him. He should have a decent game, but my expectations are lowered by playing with a sprained knee.

Hate: Steve Breaston—With Fitz, Boldin, and the running game taking prominent roles, I’m afraid there won’t be much left for Breaston.

Nate Washington—If Ward reinjures his knee, then Washington’s value gets a bump.  With the Steelers running game, Holmes, Ward, and Heath Miller, I don’t think there is enough to go around for Nate.

Tight Ends

Love: Heath Miller—He is such a tough guy to cover. He’s big, fast, and has great hands. He’s also tough to tackle when he gets his hands on the ball. Miller is easily a bigger focus of his team’s scheme and clearly the superior tight end.

Hate: Leonard Pope—He’ll be blocking this week. That’s for sure.