Fantasy Football Defenses: Top 15 to Target in 2016
By Charles Lam
2016 Fantasy Football Defenses: Number 14 – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t been a dominant defense in quite a while. Last season the defense showed flashes of defensive excellence. The team looks like its getting back to playing the kind of football they used to play.
Last season, the Steelers had eight games over the 10 point mark. In four of those games, the defense scored more than 15 points a game. The largest fantasy football points total came week 13 at home against the Indianapolis Colts. The black and gold raked up 21 points that day with a combined defense and special teams effort.
Stud wide receiver and returner, Antonio Brown, broke off a 71-yard punt return with 4:01 left in the game blowing the lead to 45-10.
Last season, the Steelers had eight games over the 10 point mark. In four of those games, the defense scored more than 15 points a game.
The problem for the Steelers this season are the match-ups. Pittsburgh has four good matches against six bad matches and six decent match-ups. That’s not necessarily a great sign for fantasy football.
Couple that with the youth of the defense the Steelers could have a few bad games. But the chance of an awesome performance exists.
The Steelers have a few defenders who have an eye for the football. Cornerback William Gay had two interceptions one turned into a touchdown. He also added seven passes defended, 46 tackles and one sack for Pittsburgh last season.
With guys like Gay and young pass rushers, the Steelers might be poised to put up big numbers for fantasy football teams this season.
The Steelers offense scores a lot of points most of the time forcing other teams to throw the football to catch up. Gay and others will be waiting to pick off the ball and take it to the house of six.
If fantasy teams choose wisely, the Steelers defense could provide to be useful this season and may lead the team to success.