INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Ben Roethlisberger eclipsed 4,000 yards passing for just the second time during his career in 2011 while enjoying his third-best passing TD mark (21) ever.  However, he only had five games where produced multiple TD passes and only eclipsed the 300-yard mark passing five times, leaving owners with some pretty mediocre weeks.  Over the team’s final eight games in 2011, Big Ben missed one start and averaged 254 yards per game with 7 PaTD and 7 INT during that span.

SCHEDULE
The Steelers rank in the middle of the pack in their strength of schedule as they tied with three other teams for the 14th toughest slate in the league. Not surprisingly they have five nationally televised games, all coming before Week 12.  Following a Week 4 bye, the Steelers play three games in a span of 14 days in October, including road tilts at Tennessee and Cincinnati. Their fantasy playoff matchups of San Diego, at Dallas, and Cincinnati in Weeks 14-16 are favorable.

STUD
After a very public contract dispute this offseason, Mike Wallace is out to prove he’s worth big money and it could pay big dividends for fantasy owners.  Few receivers in football can stretch the field as well as the Steelers’ big-play receiver which should translate into some monster performances. The lack of consistent production though keeps him out of being a top five or tier one fantasy wideout, but you can’t argue with his final numbers a year ago where he finished with career highs across the board – 72 receptions for 1,193 yards and 8 TD’s.

DUD
A torn ACL in Week 17 cut Rashard Mendenhall’s season short in 2011 and is likely going to cost him significant time in 2012. The veteran running back is expected to start the season on the PUP list and even if he’s able to return it remains to be seen what type of shape he’ll be in. While grabbing him on the cheap in the latter stages of the draft as a stash-away option may not be a bad idea, owners may want to avoid the situation altogether. Consider even before the injury Mendenhall only had two 100-yard games and managed to score in just seven contests.

SLEEPER
It may be hard to justify wide receiver Antonio Brown as a “sleeper”. After all, he finished 2011 with 69 catches for 1,108 yards.  A look at the early drafts recaps suggest he could be one of the best valued players come draft day. He currently is the 25th wideout being taken with an ADP of 55.81. That puts going in mid-to-late Round 5 in most leagues. There’s a ton to suggest though that Brown is primed for an even better 2012. He’s entering the magical third year for a receiver. With the running game in disarray the Steelers are going to throw early and often. It won’t be hard for Brown to build on his two touchdowns from a year ago and if you take numbers from the final 10 weeks a year ago and project them out to a full season it would produce a stat line of 81 catches for 1,354 yards.

NEW ADDITION
Former Chiefs’ head coach Todd Haley replaces Bruce Arians as the team’s offensive coordinator. While there has been plenty of off-season chatter about Roethlisberger’s disappointment with the team for axing Arians, Haley does offer some intrigue for fantasy owners. The Steelers have transitioned from a power-running attack to pass-first football team in recent years and with Mendenhall hobbled Haley is going to keep that trend going.

POSITION BATTLE
With Mendenhall out of the mix for now, Isaac Redman is currently atop the depth chart with Jonathan Dwyer sitting behind him as the team’s RB2.  Redman averaged an impressive 4.4 yards per carry in 2011 and shined in the team’s playoff loss to Denver starting in Mendenhall’s place. He has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and the size to produce at the goalline. While Redman has clear fantasy value (RB3), it will be interesting to see how Dwyer performs in his third season and just how many touches he winds up getting. He’s worth keeping your eyes on.

BENCH BUILDER
Like Brown, fellow wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is entering his third year in the league and will benefit from Haley’s play calling. There’s no been any question surrounding Sanders’ skills set, but durability has been a concern. If he can stay healthy expect his best year yet. With Hines Ward out of the mix following retirement, Sanders will be on the field more frequently and see a steady increase in targets. Don’t get too carried away, but Sanders could prove to be a nice WR4 or WR5 in larger leagues.

Fantasy Football, NFL 2012 nfl preview, pittsburgh steelers, ben roethlisberger, rashard mendenhall, mike wallace, antonio brown, isaac redman, emmanuel sanders

The 2012 NFL Draft is in the books and now it's time to hand out some report cards...

FOXSports.com
Good Grades: Steelers (A+), Bengals (A), Patriots (A), Rams (A), Colts (A-), Redskins (A-)
Bad Grades: Saints (D), Raiders (D)

SportingNews.com
Good Grades: Bengals (A+), Cowboys (A+), Patriots (A), Packers (A), Steelers (A-), Ravens (A-)
Bad Grades: Seahawks (D), Raiders (D), Saints (C-), Jaguars (C-)

CBSSports.com
Good Grades: Bengals (A+), Colts (A), Steelers (A)
Bad Grades: Saints (F), Raiders (D), Browns (C-), 49ers (C-)

Rotoworld.com
Good Grades: Colts (A+), Bengals (A), Steelers (A), Bucs (A), Packers (A-), Redskins (A-)
Bad Grades: Jaguars (D), Raiders (D), Saints (D)

SI.com
Good Grades: Bengals (A+), Vikings (A), Chargers (A), Panthers (A-), Colts (A-), Eagles (A-), Steelers (A-)
Bad Grades: Broncos (D), 49ers (D), Saints (D+), Jets (D+)

FFToolbox.com
Good Grades: Bengals (A), Rams (A), Eagles (A), Dolphins (A)
Bad Grades: Seahawks (F), Saints (F), 49ers (F), Raiders (F)

Tampa Tribune
Good Grades: Bengals (A), Vikings (A-), Colts (A-)
Bad Grades: Jets (F), Raiders (F), Broncos (D), Saints (D), Falcons (D), Seahawks (D)

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As a Bengals fan that are few players I have loathed in recent years as wide receiver Hines Ward. 

NFL.com reported earlier this week that he is unlikely to return to the Steelers.

Whether or not that is true remains to be seen. He could come back to Pittsburgh if he takes a pay cut.

Either way I reflect on the five biggest reasons I don’t like the guy.

5. Rivers Cheap Shot – Despite some of best days coming against Cincinnati, the one that gets my blood boiling most was the cheap hit he took on Keith Rivers that ended his season. It wasn’t illegal, but it was hardly necessary.

4. Dancing With the Stars – For starters most athletes embarrass themsevles when they go on the popular dancing show. Though I don't watch it regularly, I must admit I had to go searching for it on YouTube to see just how bad Hines really was. The fact that he actually won the competition further reminds me of why I don't tune in.

3. Fantasy Dud – Clearly Ward has been on the decline for the past couple of seasons, but even in his prime Ward was a headache for fantasy owners. His numbers were too inconsistent to play weekly and seemingly everytime he did blow up many owners had him on their bench.

2. Cheesy Grin – Whether it was to hide the fact he is the dirtiest player in the league or that he was sleeping with porn star Jesse Jane, I can't stand his ear-to-ear grin. 

1. He’s a Steeler – From the Yellow Towel to the Y'Inzers waving it, Ward was the epitome of everything the Steelers have stood for over the past decade. While you have to respect his accomplishments and the team's world titles, you don't have to like them.

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Super Bowl XLV is in the books. Here are some final thoughts…

*Aaron Rodgers – The Brett Favre monkey is officially off Aaron Rodgers’ back. He capped off one of the most impressive post-season clips in NFL history by throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns on 25 of 39 passing to lead Green Bay to a 31-25 win over Pittsburgh and earned Super Bowl MVP honors in the process. The victory finally allows Rodgers to step out of Brett Favre’s shadow and should allow the Packers’ bitter fans to get over the divorce and welcome the now-retired (or at least we think) Favre.

*Big Ben Blows It – As impressive as Rodgers was in the game, Roethlisberger was not.  His two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown by Nick Collins, led to the Steelers finding themselves in a 21-3 first-half hole that proved to be too much to overcome. The two-time Super Bowl champ looked far from super and finished the game with 263 yards and one touchdown on 25-of-40 passing. With a chance to drive Pittsburgh for a game-winning touchdown, he misfired on three straight passes to seal the deal.

*Packers Ultimate Cinderella – Despite being decimated by injuries all season long, fighting off elimination with three straight wins to close the regular season, and being seeded No. 6 in the NFC playoff bracket, the Packers prevailed and beat the odds.  It wasn’t the New York Giants beating the 18-0 New England Patriots, but it was still impressive.

*Black Eyed Peas Rock – I’ve read and heard mixed reviews on the halftime show by the Black Eyed Peas, but count me as one that enjoyed it.  It was refreshing to see an act that actually reached the younger generation back on stage at the big game. Usher was a nice touch. The visual effects were great. The sound and mix could've been better, but overall I was pleased.

*Cameron Diaz can feed me popcorn – Alex Rodriguez is catching all kinds of flack after being caught on camera with his girlfriend, actress Cameron Diaz, feeding him popcorn. Let me go on the record firmly here, you can call me whatever you want but I would let Cameron Diaz feed my anything in front of anybody.

*Dude, Where’s My Seat? – Jerry Jones didn’t get his record attendance as he had hoped, but he is going to get sued. You’ve heard by now about the 400 fans that were left without seats after they bought $800 tickets. The seats that didn’t exist, or at least not after the temporary seats failed fire code. The league has offered a refund of triple the face value of the ticket as well as tickets and accommodations to next year’s Super Bowl. While that is a decent consolidation offering it won’t do Packers or Steelers fans any good unless their team returns.

*Doritos Boast Best Ads – Overall I was terribly disappointed with the Super Bowl commercials this year. I liked the Dog’s Revenge for the Doritos teasing spot and the House Sitter who brought back dogs ashes spots for the popular snack chip. Both ads finished in the top 5 in USA Today’s Ad Meter.

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1. Aaron Rodgers – Rodgers entered this postseason having never won a playoff game.  However, he has been nothing short of spectacular through three games to get the Packers this far.  If he can continues his sizzling play, the Vince Lombardi trophy will go back to its rightful home, Lambeau Field.

2. Spread out Steelers’ D – If there is a weakness in the Steelers’ defense it is their secondary, particularly their corners. Rodgers uses as many different receivers as anyone in the league. Look for Green Bay to spread things out to try to find holes in Pittsburgh attack. In order for it to work though, the line must pick up on Dick LeBeau’s exotic blitz calls and give Rodgers time to deliver.

3. Establish James Starks – Green Bay hasn’t had much of a running game all season, but have gotten Starks going a bit in the playoffs. Pittsburgh is nearly impossible to run on though so expecting much from Starks here may be a stretch. However, the Packers must get in a little involved just to keep the Steelers honest. If he gets to 70 yards on the ground it could be enough to propel the Packers to victory.

4. Exploit Steelers up middle – With Maurkice Pouncey out the Packers need to take advantage and put pressure on Roethlisberger right up the gut. Big Ben likes to roll out and create time for his receivers to get open. If Green Bay can keep him in the pocket and bring pressure up the middle it will be a long day for the Steelers’ quarterback.

5. Win Turnover Battle – It’s pretty elementary, but coming out on top in the turnovers is always a huge help for any team. For the Packers it is huge. Green Bay has not lost a game all season in which the turnover ratio favored them.

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Winning NFL picks, odds and power rankings all from our friends at Doc's Sports Service.

1. Pound Rashard Mendenhall – The Steelers made Mendenhall the focal point in the AFC Championship game against the Jets and he responded with 121 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries.  Green Bay is pretty tough against the run, but room can be found.  If Mendenhall gets to 100 yards the Steelers chances of winning go up as Pittsburgh in 6-1 in his career when Mendenhall cracks the century mark.

2. Trick Plays – Pittsburgh always seems to have a trick play up their sleeves and they execute at a high rate. In a game that Vegas thinks will be decided by a field goal or less, one key play could decide the game. Bet on the Steelers having at least one ace up their sleeve.

3. Hit Aaron Rodgers – As great as the Packers’ quarterback has played of late you have to look no further than how recent NFC North foes handled him.  In the NFC Championship game, the Bears’ Julius Peppers put a big hit on Rodgers in the second half of the game and he struggled to regain form.  The Lions were the last team to beat the Packers in a game that Rodgers started. Their key to a 7-3 victory was hitting Rodgers early and often. Eventually they knocked him out of the game. Even if it cost them a penalty the Steelers need to hit him hard before he even gets going.

4. Play Physical – The Steelers have made a living at hard-hitting, blue collar football through the years and that has been a big reason they’ve already won six Super Bowls. That recipe for success should be followed once again. If they can withstand the loss of center Maurkice Pouncey and win the battle up front on both sides of the ball they will make it seven Super Bowl championships.

5. No Jitters – Experience counts. The Steelers have been there and done that. From head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on down they have experience. That could make the difference, especially early in the game when nerves will be at their highest.

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Parody of Bengals' owner Mike Brown talking to Steelers' owner Art Rooney II:

Just For Fun, NFL mike brown, art rooney ii, cincinnati bengals, pittsburgh steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games on Wednesday for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, according to ESPN.com.

He also was ordered to undergo a comprehensive behavioral evaluation. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will evaluate Roethlisberger's progress before the season and might consider reducing the suspension to four games.

"The Personal Conduct Policy makes clear that I may impose discipline 'even where the conduct does not result in conviction of a crime' as, for example, where the conduct 'imposes inherent danger to the safety and well being of another person'," Goodell stated in his letter to Roethlisberger.

"As the District Attorney concluded, the extensive investigatory record shows that you contributed to the irresponsible consumption of alcohol by purchasing (or facilitating the purchase of) alcoholic beverages for underage college students, at least some of whom were likely already intoxicated. There is no question that the excessive consumption of alcohol that evening put the students and yourself at risk. The Personal Conduct Policy also states that discipline is appropriate for conduct that 'undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL players.' By any measure, your conduct satisfies that standard."

The Steelers have begun contacting teams to see if they would be willing to trade a top 10 pick for Roethlisberger, an NFL source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Pittsburgh called the Rams, 49ers, Raiders, Bills, Jaguars, Seahawks and Browns, the source said.

Rams and Bills are known not to be interested, the source said.

***
There are mixed emotions on what is the right thing to do in the case of Roethlisberger. Though he has not been found guilty in the court of law, he’s certainly been guilty of poor decisions. The Steelers have made it clear they will tolerate the behavior and Big Ben is unlikely to appeal any decision. The real test will come for how he carries himself moving forward.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers traded troubled wideout and former Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets late Sunday night in exchange for a fifth round pick in this year’s draft.

Holmes, who is facing a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse, policy has become more trouble than he’s worth for Pittsburgh, who has its worst season off-the-field drama in franchise history.

The 26-year old is coming off his best NFL season with 79 catches for 1,248 yards and five touchdowns a year ago and possesses great explosiveness. For his career he has 235 career catches for 3,835 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Still, the off-the-field issues have been mounting. The expected ban is not related to the recent assault accusation brought against Holmes by a woman stemming from a nightclub incident. Instead, it appears Holmes tested positive for a banned substance, or missed a drug test.

Holmes has a history with marijuana. He was arrested in 2008 for possession -- prompting a one-game suspension levied by the Steelers -- and has recently spoken of "wake and baking" on his Twitter account. "Wake and baking" is slang for getting high in the morning.

He is set to be a free agent at season’s end and clearly the Steelers had no interest in re-signing him. For the Jets, it’s a low-risk, high-reward proposition. If Holmes cleans up his act, he could join Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery, and tight end Dustin Keller along with newcomer LaDainian Tomlinson and second-year running back Shonn Greene to give Mark Sanchez plenty of options.

If Holmes fails to change his ways, the team can simply opt to part ways at season’s end.

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The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday 18-12 to complete their first sweep of Pittsburgh since 1998. They only need a win at home vs. Cleveland in two weeks to go undefeated in division play for the first time ever. With the win the team moves to 7-2 and a firm driver's seat in the AFC North.

THE GOOD
On a roll - 7-2 overall recrod...5-0 in AFC North...5 straight road wins...Sweeps over Steelers and Ravens!!!

Swagger - Say what you want to about these Bengals, but you can not deny their confidence on the field. They are fun to watch and continue show they are for real. Will the remaining doubters finally concede after this game or will they must win next week in Oakland? Give me a break.

Defense - The Bengals' D was the difference in the game. They got pressure on Ben Roethlisberger all day long, sacking him four times and getting in his face early and often. In addition, the four red zone stops were huge against an offense that had been red hot.

Jonathan Fanene - The unsung hero of the day was in on so many plays, including two sacks and three tackles. Just one of many standouts on this side of the ball for Cincinnati all day long.

Bernard Scott - His 96-yard kickoff return was the only touchdown scored in the game. The rookie then had a chance to show what he can do when thrown into the mix after injuries fofrced his way into the game. He finished with 54 total yards on seven tocuhes on offense.

Lavernaues Coles - Continues to get more involved in the offense. Followed up six-catch performance last week with 5 catches for 67 yards.

THE BAD
Red Zone Offense - Much like the Steelers, the Bengals struggled to score when they got close (0/3 in Red Zone).

THE UGLY
Cedric Benson - The team's leading rusher and league MVP candidate, Cedric Benson, was forced out of the gain due a strained hip and did not return.

PAT Botch - I am not sure what what happen on the point-after-touchdown conversion, but it looked like Kevin Huber botched the snap. Either way it is getting a bit old leaving points on the field.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"This is so sweet I'm almost diabetic right now," Bengals LB Brandon Johnson after game on the Bengals Radio Network.

NFL cincinnati bengals, pittsburgh steelers