ffdh win championships

68. Ben Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger should recover completely and have no lingering affects from his accident.

Cedrick Wilson is a former college quarterback, just like Randle El, and should fill his shoes nicely.

Santonio Holmes is fast and will be a new and unknown weapon to be dealt with by opponents.

Hines Ward is a true champion and one of the best ever. He has the toughness of a linebacker and the blocking skills of an offensive tackle. He is always open, even when double covered. His instincts are amazing and he will catch the ball almost every time.

He is a lethal weapon.

Heath Miller is quickly growing into one of the best tight ends in the N.F.L.

He is needed to block, often, and is very effective, but, can catch and is particularly dangerous in the red-zone.

Willie Parker is not a power back. He is fast and can run and catch, like Dunn or Barber. He is quickly developing into a formidable weapon and can break a home-run from scrimage, or a pass, anytime.

Staley is in the twilight of his career and has never been the back they paid for. His frequent injuries and lackluster attitude were actually evident in Philadelphia. Bettis' health and spirit kept him on the bench, where he gladly accepted an easy paycheck and Superbowl ring.

This has allowed Verron Haynes to emerge from a group of talented, journeyman backs to actually elevate his play to starter consideration. He's not quite the goal line puncher that Pittsburgh likes to have. He can catch the ball, though.

If they get a power back, like T.J. Duckett, then some touchdowns will be taken away from Roethlisberger.

As for now, Cowher is ready to depend on him to evolve into the quarterback he hasn't had to be, yet. Roethlisberger will take another step in a very lucky career, and, if he can become a great passer and lead Pittsburgh to another Superbowl, then he will cement his own glory in the Steeler legacy.

Pittsburgh faces one of the most difficult schedules in '06. Yet, they are the reigning champ.

They have one of the best defenses in the league, one of the best offensive lines and, certainly, one of the best coaching staffs.

Seattle can cry about the refs and about how they appeared to be the best team on the field, but, they did have their chance to win, and, more importantly to the outcome, they did not make adjustments on the field; Pittsburgh did.

Roethlisberger will be an adequate quarterback for you fantasy team. And, in the crucible of a withering schedule, if he transcends and rises into the responsibilities thrust upon him, then he will outperform all but the most elite of fantasy quarterbacks.

24. Hines Ward

Ward is truly deserving of all accolades and awards he earns.

Ward is the template for the selfless team player. He also has wit and intelligence. His parodies of others' celebrations were like an editorial, a mock condemnation of them.

Where Moss takes plays off, T.O. self aggrandizes, Chad Johnson self promotes, and Joe Horn is just trying too hard and looking silly. Ward is a consummate professional.

He runs perfect routes, he's fast, catches everything thrown anywhere near him, has a knack for getting open, and blocks as good as any offensive player in the league.

He is truly one of the best receivers to ever play the game.

And, because of his selfless play and team-first attitude, his personal fantasy stats will never be #1; but, they are consistent.

In '05 7th, 82 total "(10 away from 2nd place) 0, 13, 16, B,1,0,6,1,0,10,1,6,14,6,0,8,0

The wide receiver position will always be spotty because of the nature of attack, counterattack football. Every team watches the film from the last couple games and says: "That guy is not going to beat us."

Receivers will often score on an every other week basis, or in bunches.

Ward came out strong in the second and third week and after the bye was used more as a decoy and blocker. First, their own team anticipates the film study of their opponents. Second, the other team puts extra coverage on the hot scorer and takes him out of the equation.

What's good about Ward's line is that he keeps coming back and contributes as regularly as a receiver can.

Eight sub-T.D. weeks spread out compared to 11 for #4 Santana Moss who simply disappears.

Ward's history shows a sine-curve of fantasy value. He rises up the charts, and then disappears.

Ward helped me to a Superbowl one year, then Cowher thought he would experiment with a passing oriented offense and Pittsburgh simply sucked. They ran through some journeyman quarterbacks and injuries to their center, until finding gold in the Roethlisberger pick.

Things are now solid in Pittsburgh. They return a Superbowl champion team mostly intact. Cedrick Wilson is a college quarterback who will step into Randle El's shoes adequately and the rookie, Santonio Holmes, should also contribute.

The running game does not have a reliable touchdown scorer, thus, Ward could easily be the focal point for the red-zone offense and keep the top of the curve for one more year.

If it weren't for a very difficult schedule, (why can't they get those cupcake schedules the Colts and Patriots always have) Ward would be much higher. He is a great value as a third or fourth pick and if he drops to fifth, a steal.

In the wide receiver position you need a cadre to rotate through their best match-ups and hope for the best. If you can get two who give you numbers like Ward did in '05, then you'll win.

Pittsburgh always has to fight it's way through the best. Ward, as a deserving Superbowl M.V.P. is one of the best of the best.