Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, the Steelers get set to host the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC North match-up. The Ravens will be looking to spoil the Steelers perfect start just one game before Pittsburgh gets back their starting quarterback from suspension.
As always with these two teams, this one is expected to be a defensive juggernaut. Thus far, Baltimore is first in total defense while the Steelers are fourth overall in the AFC. Pittsburgh has allowed just an average of 11 points per game and has given up just two touchdowns in 12 quarters. Both of those scores came in the final moments of two wins and were meaningless.
With all this defense on display, what does that mean for Fantasy Football players and those dabbling in these new Fantasy Betting web-sites?
Obviously both defenses are smart plays in almost all formats, however they may be a little pricey in week to week salary cap leagues and betting portals.
For the Steelers, running back Rashard Mendenhall seemingly has a favorable match-up as the Ravens are giving up more than 125 yards per game on the ground. However, Baltimore's knack for not giving up touchdowns may be somewhat of a deterrent.
The Ravens biggest fantasy point getter has been wide-out Anquan Boldin. He has more than 100 yards receiving in two of the teams first three games, however Boldin was bottled up in Week two against the Cincinnati Bengals. Boldin is fast-coming a must-start fantasy option and is clearly a No. 1 WR.
Running back Ray Rice has been relatively quiet in first part of 2010 after having a huge 2009. Rice is listed as "questionable" for Week 4 against the Steelers after an MRI revealed no ligament or cartilage damage in his knee. He should be on the field, however, Rice is a risky start against Pittsburgh.