Fantasy Football Preview: Steelers Vs.Titans: Low Fantasy Value?

In just under eight hours, thousands of salivating football fans—including myself—will wipe away the residual drool hanging from our lips. We will relegate ourselves to our favorite comfy chair, crack open our cool 16 oz. “beverage” of choice, and, in an almost synchronized fashion, tune into the opening day game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans.

Is it me, or did you just feel an ominous chill in the air.

Thursday night games are quickly becoming the new staple in Football-land, and this year’s matchup is about as good as it gets. Tonight features the top two teams in the AFC from a year ago; one who went on to be crowned the Super Bowl champion, and one who is still jaded from the embarrassing elimination handed to them by the Ravens.

But every year is a new year, one that promises better days and greener 20-yard lines.

For the Steelers, they find themselves in a familiar place; defending the Super Bowl crown, and don’t think they forgot about the terrible towel incident, regardless of whether they won the Super Bowl or not.

For the Titans, they are simply at square one all over again. There is nothing more daunting than having to re-climb the mountain, all the while hoping you don’t fall off again.

The Steelers want to avenge last year’s 31-14 drubbing that cost them home-field advantage by this very Titans team, while Tennessee is looking to prove they can survive without Albert Haynesworth—especially against the Steelers.

So what does this all translate into when looking at it from a fantasy aspect?

Well, let’s take a look.

The Quarterbacks

Last year, both QBs had quite a bit of success against each other, and to be honest, they usually do—regardless of the outcome. Big Ben threw for 329 yards and two TDs, while Collins chimed in with 215 yards and a single TD.

Tennessee’s secondary is rather formidable, so don’t expect too much out of Big Ben this year, unless the ground game becomes non-existent. The whole reason Pittsburgh threw so much last year was due mostly to the Titans penchant for dealing with the run.

The Steelers combined for only 59 yards on 22 carries and no scores in that game, so don’t get all starry-eyed at Roethlisberger’s stat line; it’s very misleading.

Kerry Collins had a very methodical day against the Steelers, but he has never been known to deal with the pressure brought on by blitzes very well, and you can bet the Steelers are gonna come after him like a baby goes after its baba.

In all, both QBs could be running amuck all night, which will provide throws and yards and even a score or two—good stuff for PPR leagues—but may also provide a lot of turnovers, so use caution when deciding.

Edge: Even

The Running Backs

The Steelers are entering this contest with a few question marks surrounding the health of Willie Parker. When Parker is healthy, the offense is that much better, but when he is not, the offense struggles that much more.

Parkers’ knock is the same hamstring injury that screwed with him during preseason, but to be honest, even a healthy Parker isn’t going to do much against the Tennessee D-Line, which is one of the best in the league.

The Titans struggled mightily last year to get Chris Johnson going, and when they realized it wasn’t going to work, they mixed in LenDale White. The Titans afforded themselves a one-two punch that garnered 117 yards and 2 TDs.

I don’t believe the Titans will have the same success against this veteran group, but they should have more success than Pittsburgh. The Steelers D-Line is just as good as Tennessee’s, and the linebacker corp for the Steelers is one of the best in the business.

LeBeau will continue to utilize the 3-4 scheme and his zone-blitz packages to keep the ground game...well, grounded, but two is always better than one.

Edge: Titans

The Receivers and Tight Ends

Hines Ward had another stellar year, eclipsing 1,000 yards, accompanied by four 100+ yard games; one at the hands of the Titans. Santonio Holmes was rather lack luster until his miracle catch in the big game, and Limas Sweed emerged onto the scene showing flashes of what is to come.

(Is it me, or do we all have to start changing the buzz words soon?)

Ward and Holmes alone combined for 12 catches, 212 yards, and 2 TDs last year against this “Titan” secondary, and I like their chances again. Heath Miller also chimed in with 8 grabs for 69 yards, so PPR league managers could benefit from starting any one of these guys.

The Titans enter the game with some issues at WR and TE. Ex-Steeler Nate Washington will be a game-time decision with a nagging hamstring injury, but even if he does play, you can’t expect him to be too effective.

Jared Cook, the exciting new toy at TE for Tennessee, will also be a game-time decision with an ankle injury, but the rumor is he simply won’t be in this one. Keep checking the wire for updates.

That leaves Justin Gage, Kenny Britt, and Bo Scaife. Gage had a pretty good game last year against the Steelers, despite only catching 5 balls, as he went for 104 yards and a score.

Britt is unproven and not worth a shot, and Scaife is a risky call since the Titans would prefer to use him more in the blocking schemes. He could see some additional looks, but don’t expect too much.

Edge: Steelers

Intangibles

-The Titans have won four out of the last five matchups.

-Since the creation of Thursday Night Football, the home team has won six out of seven times.

-The Steelers have not lost an opening day game since 2002.

Edge: Steelers

In all, there are more risks in regard to fantasy, so use caution in deciding whom you start from either club. If there are better options, I say use them.

Now, if you’re looking for a real good game to “kickoff” the season with, this one definitely fits the bill.

So rustle up some of your loudest friends, get the best food that is problematic for any intestinal wall, open a lot of windows ( for obvious reasons), and get ready for opening day; cause there’s unfinished business in Steel town, and you have a front row seat to see it all go down!