While the term “hot seat” is typically associated with head coaches and their job security, they are not the only ones who feel the heat during an NFL season. Along those lines, the official “start” to the 2013 season is next week as training camps are set to open and the battle for roster spots will begin anew among the players.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys will each be looking to stay above .500 and in the thick of the playoff hunt when they face off this afternoon at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS. The Steelers (7-6) are currently holding onto the final wild-card spot in the AFC, while the Cowboys (7-6) need to keep winning to have any hopes of securing a postseason berth in the NFC bracket.
Two AFC teams headed in different directions will meet on Monday Night Football, when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:30 pm EST on ESPN. The Steelers have won three in a row since starting the season 2-3, and they have won all three games at home in the Steel City this year. On the other hand, the Chiefs stand at 1-7 and amazingly still have not held a lead in regulation this season.
Two AFC teams hungry for a victory will clash in Nashville tonight, when the Tennessee Titans host the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:20 p.m. EST on the NFL Network. Pittsburgh got back to .500 last week with a hard-fought 16-14 win against the Eagles. Tennessee was blown out on the road for the second consecutive week, dropping to 1-4 on the year after losing a 30-7 decision to the Vikings.
What can the Pittsburgh Steelers do for you this fantasy season? Check out Athlon Sports' team report as we break down the rookies, veteran players to watch and avoid, fantasy playoff schedule and more to help you get ready for the 2012 season.
Ben Roethlisberger has a bad ankle. He didn't blame it for his poor, 3-interception performance against the 49ers last week, but it's going to cause him to be on the bench for the Steelers Week 16 game against the St. Louis Rams.
It's a mixed blessing for Roethlisberger owners. If you somehow managed to pull out a win after his crappy showing last week, at least this week you don't have to struggle with the decision to start him this week and can put all your eggs in your back-up quarterback's basket.
PITTSBURGH
• Inside the Locker Room
With Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Is Ben Roethlisberger an under- or overrated fantasy option at QB?
Depends on where you have him ranked. He is not going to put up big numbers consistently. But he is probably worthy of a middle-round pick, if you don’t have an elite fantasy QB, and then start him based on matchups.