Steelers Fantasy Football Forecast: Will the Vikings Defense Stop Big Ben?

Nov 7, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Camryn Bynum (43) celebrates with outside linebacker Anthony Barr (55) after intercepting Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (not pictured) during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

After being extremely short-handed against the Lions, the Minnesota Vikings defense is finally starting to come back to full strength, minus of course Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen. This week brings a matchup against a Steelers offense that has spent much of this season as an underwhelming unit. With what should be a favorable matchup for Minnesota, should your fantasy football lineups feature any Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger- Sit

This one is fairly simple. Ben Roethlisberger has broken 20 fantasy points exactly once in 11 games. The Vikings pass defense should be much better this week as well with all of Anthony Barr, Eric Kendricks, and Patrick Peterson set to return. Then include that Roethlisberger is an aging star, a quick turnaround for a Thursday night game may not be great at this point in his career. The Steelers fantasy football forecast says bet on someone else in your lineups.

Najee Harris- Start

It feels like Najee Harris is due for a break out performance. In back-to-back weeks, he’s had underwhelming games leaving fantasy football managers yearning for his early season stat lines. In terms of run defense for the Vikings, it’s been a lot of feast or famine. Minnesota has held opponents to 100 yards or less on four occasions, while also giving up over 180 yards three times.

Harris’ talent not only as a rusher but also as a receiver is apparent at this point. With his playmaking ability, and the Vikings uncanny ability to suddenly forget how to tackle ball-carriers, the Steelers fantasy football forecast suggests this will be a big game for the rookie.

Chase Claypool- Sit

Chase Claypool has struggled to recreate the magic that existed during his rookie campaign. Part of that has to do with a toe injury that has had him hobbled in recent weeks. Claypool does not carry an injury designation with him this week, but even with that positive news, it’s been a less-than-stellar year. The sophomore has caught just one touchdown pass this season, and he’s had five receptions in just one game since Pittsburgh’s bye.

With the Vikings secondary coming back to full strength this week, the signs do not point towards a change in production for Claypool. The Steelers fantasy football forecast suggests sitting the receiver this week.

Steelers D/ST- Start

The Minnesota Vikings are once again without their top red zone threat, Adam Thielen. Last week, that spelled doom down the stretch against a severely inferior Detroit Lions squad. This Steelers defense is much better than that group, and they should be ready to prove it on Thursday. I predicted the Steelers to win this game, and a big reason behind that will be Pittsburgh keeping Minnesota out of the end zone.

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