Fantasy Football 2015: Best Players To Draft In First Five Rounds
By Matt Hellens
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
(7) throws a pass during an AFC wild card playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Top Player in Round 5: Ben Roethlisberger
I drafted Big Ben a lot last year in the middle to late rounds as my second QB, only to have him quickly become my starter full time. With Antonio Brown and a burgeoning corp of young and producing wide receivers at his disposal, I see the Steelers main man scoring in the top 3-5 range again at his position.
It is still weird to think of Pittsburgh being a passing and offensive team these days, but their defense isn’t as stifling as it once was. So the opportunity to air it out should continue.
Roethlisberger has been durable too, so you can also address the bye week fill in later and take your shots on other positional lottery tickets.
Other Players I Like: I have always loved Jonathan Stewart‘s talent, but DeAngelo Williams and injuries got in his way. I may regret it, but I have a hunch he will make owners happy this year as a value pick. Greg Olsen is another sneaky player that you don’t realize how well he is doing unless he is actually on your team. I would take a shot on Joseph Randle, mainly because his O-Line is so amazing.
Players I’d avoid: I never like relying on any Patriots player in fantasy other than Gostkowski (and I hate kickers in this medium), so I’m avoiding Julian Edelman. Sammy Watkins has talent, but question marks at whoever is trying to get him the ball. I tried really hard to draft Brandin Cooks last year, as I bought the hype. I’m glad I failed, and I will not trust him until I see real and consistent results.
Next: Peter King on the Detroit Lions