Rashard Mendenhall will get the ball both in the air and on the ground until QB Ben Roethlisberger comes back from his suspension. With Big Ben out at least 6 games or less, fantasy owners in both standard and PPR leagues should take a serious look on trying to pick him up.
In 2009, Mendy had a total of 1,108 rushing yards with 25 catches for 261 yards while running in back of a rebuilding offensive line. His 10 yard per catch average makes him attractive for PPR owners as well in this upcoming season.
The Steelers drafted rookie Maurkice Pouncey in the first round in the 2010 draft. He is a real monster that can play guard or center and will most likely improve that weak offensive line greatly. This to helps Mendenhall in his yardage quest for 2010.
It is looking more and more like Byron Leftwich will be starting for Big Ben until he comes back. Leftwich has a strong arm but has a slow throwing motion and just can’t move quickly in the pocket. Since opposing defenses will test that Steeler line by blitzing it to death, Mendenhall will be the recipient of short passes from Leftwich trying to escape the sack. PPR owners take note!
Mendenhall should be taken in either standard or PPR systems with complete confidence. I am projecting him to increase his reception totals to around 35 to 40 for the upcoming season.
The only negative I can see is that his TD totals might stay the same or slightly decrease since the Steelers drafted rookie RB Jonathan Dwyer as a developmental inside banger that might vulture td’s and some plays from Mendenhall.
James
