Eagles vs. Steelers: What Can Their Matchup Tell Us for Fantasy Football Drafts?

For a preseason game, there's a little bit of hype building between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

The Eagles have what's considered to be a juggernaut and have been dubbed this season's "Super Bowl or bust" franchise. Whereas the Steelers are aching to get back on track with all units after their loss to Washington.

Plus, you know the Pittsburgh defense will be anxious to show the world that they can shut down the Philly offense.

That being said, what does this game mean for fantasy owners?

Although the starters won't be playing too much, it will give a small glimpse of how they perform against a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Therefore, here's some help with your fantasy football team draft.

Ben Roethlisberger Will Be a Solid Fantasy QB

He's not in the top 10 for fantasy QBs, but you could most certainly make a case for it. After all, he did throw for over 3,000 yards last season despite only playing in 12 games.

Also, he significantly improved in increasing his TD-to-interception ratio (17-to-5 last year). Obviously he may have thrown another pick or two had he played all 16 games, but it would have been nowhere near his previous totals.

Now, he's not going to put up the sexy numbers like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning or Aaron Rodger, but he could still be a solid fantasy starter and Thursday night will be a preview of that.

Mike Vick Is a Top 5 Fantasy QB

There are all these toys sitting around him waiting to be used and the Philly-faithful can't be more excited for the 2011 season.

Here's why Michael Vick is a top five fantasy QB.

Vick is like the puppet master. He controls everything around him, so the team is only going to be as successful as he is.

Not to mention, he now has one full year of excellent play under his belt since his return and still poses as a dual threat QB.

Vick is only getting better and now with a year of timing and chemistry with the dangerous play makers around him, there is no limit as to how ridiculous his 2011 numbers can get.

DeSean Jackson Will Be a Top 5 WR

This may make DeSean Jackson appear overrated, but Jackson has been a good performer in The City of Brotherly Love.

He's already made two Pro Bowls, including one All-Pro selection, and is also a legitimate threat as a punt/kick returner.

When he goes against the Pittsburgh defense it will definitely be a test for him to make a solid case, because as we all know, the Steelers are known for defense. Not to mention, it will be his first game back since ending his holdout.

Make no mistake about it, he has the potential to be a top five fantasy WR, but only if he can continue to perform at a high level. Plus, can you imagine how much more confidence he'll have once he actually is considered a top five WR?

Ronnie Brown Will Not Be a Starting Fantasy RB

To begin, he's not even going to start on his own team and he was never more than average when playing in Miami.

Plus, he's injury prone.

Just because he's on what's now considered an NFL juggernaut, that by no means makes him a product by association.

Don't get me wrong, he will earn a solid amount of playing time, but he's not going to perform well enough to be even considered a fantasy starter. He may not even be worth a bench position to "fill where needed" when the starters have a bye, but we'll cut him some slack.

Don't expect the Steelers to take it easy on him, as all their units will be out for blood since Philly became 2011's "paper champions."

Rashard Mendenhall Will Be a Top 3 Fantasy RB

It's somewhat of a stretch, but not completely unrealistic.

Last season he finished in the top 10 in rushing yards and second in TDs. However, Pittsburgh also had a rookie center in Maurkice Pouncey.

Now he has one year of pro play and will be expected to dominate the line of scrimmage even more so in 2011.This will increase the Mendenhall's production and he will have another great season.

Pittsburgh still has some solid receiving targets in Mike Wallace, Hines Ward and TE Heath Miller, which will allow the Steelers to remain a multidimensional offense—increasing the status of Mendenhall even more.