Big Ben: Week 16 (1 Viewer)

[kal-el]

Pros and cons of starting Roethlisberger this week:

PROS

1) Good match-up vs. Rams, who don't have a very good pass rush.

2) Pittsburgh offense has created a lot of red zone passing opportunities.

3) Pittsburgh has a division title on the line the next two weeks--no lack of motivation.

CONS

1) Bum shoulder. Looked to me last week like he was going a bit sidearm on his release last week.

2) And he got hit hard a number of times by the Jaguars team. Short week for recovery with the Thursday night game.

3) Santonio Holmes has yet to produce since injuring his hamstring. 5 catches for 47 yards over the last two weeks.

4) Pittsburgh has played poorly on the road: 2-4.

What are other people's thoughts? I'm leaning against playing him (going with Garrard instead).

 

[floridamike]

I'm in the same boat. Big Garrard fan here BUT....I see Garrard giving Freddy the rock over and over and after last week, the pro-bowl snub and against the Raiders run D. Garrard probably will probably throw for less than 200 and one maybe two TD's.

I see Big Ben throwing for a lot to Holmes and Parker on the screens and dumps for some big yardage on the fast track. And St. Louis score a bit as well forcing the steelers to keep up.

 

[RavensUNFL]

I'm in the same boat. Big Garrard fan here BUT....I see Garrard giving Freddy the rock over and over and after last week, the pro-bowl snub and against the Raiders run D. Garrard probably will probably throw for less than 200 and one maybe two TD's. I see Big Ben throwing for a lot to Holmes and Parker on the screens and dumps for some big yardage on the fast track. And St. Louis score a bit as well forcing the steelers to keep up.

I think Ben should be good for 2-3scores and around 200+ yards (Maybe this is just what I am hoping for), I have Romo also, but I am just not feeling good about the thumb and possibly crappy weather in Carolina. Ben is 3rd in TD passes this year and the Rams actually did a decent job of slowing down Grant last week even though he got a TD. I am just hoping he throws more than they run in.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Yea, I'm really pulling out my hair on this one. It's either Big Ben or Farve. Funny because I went with Farve last week @STL, and Ben outscored him by 10 points. Luckily it didn't cost me.

The biggest con for Big Ben, imo, is the short week with him being injured. I know it's a completely different injury, but in another league last week, I sat Demeco Ryans on the bench, as he was injured and it was a short week, and Ryans definitely didn't look good. I would love to know how Ben has looked in practice this week.

Another pro you didn't mention was that Big Ben will be playing in a dome, so weather won't be a factor. That's one of my biggest cons with Farve. The freezing temps in Chicago don't scare me, but the projections of 17 mph winds do.

 

[Filthy]

If it's one thing Ben has proven so far is that when it comes to crunch time, he'll produce. I'm starting him over Warner as I think Rams will stand a better chance to score (forcing Pitt to keep moving the ball) than the Falcons.

 

[-jb-]

Yea, I'm really pulling out my hair on this one. It's either Big Ben or Farve. Funny because I went with Farve last week @STL, and Ben outscored him by 10 points. Luckily it didn't cost me. The biggest con for Big Ben, imo, is the short week with him being injured. I know it's a completely different injury, but in another league last week, I sat Demeco Ryans on the bench, as he was injured and it was a short week, and Ryans definitely didn't look good. I would love to know how Ben has looked in practice this week.Another pro you didn't mention was that Big Ben will be playing in a dome, so weather won't be a factor. That's one of my biggest cons with Farve. The freezing temps in Chicago don't scare me, but the projections of 17 mph winds do.

x2. get out of my head.

 

[Kyzersosik]

Big Ben or Sage vs the Colts for me. Ben has been good for me this year so most likely go that way again. Also, I`m thinking there will be more points scored in that game then people think. 50+

 

[tonystrong]

I'm going with him over Palmer.

It just doesn't feel "right" when I start Ben. I guess cause he's not a flashy start. But every week he gets it done.

 

[Ditka is God]

CONS1) Bum shoulder. Looked to me last week like he was going a bit sidearm on his release last week.

I watched the game live on TV on Sunday and watched the replay again last night on NFL Network. I don't think I've ever seen him throw the ball harder than he did on Sunday. That pass to Heath Miller in the end zone darn near knocked him backwards .... am I missing something?

 

[Bayhawks]

CONS1) Bum shoulder. Looked to me last week like he was going a bit sidearm on his release last week.

I watched the game live on TV on Sunday and watched the replay again last night on NFL Network. I don't think I've ever seen him throw the ball harder than he did on Sunday. That pass to Heath Miller in the end zone darn near knocked him backwards .... am I missing something?

I watched the game as well. He seemed to be throwing the ball fine. He also got hit and/or knocked down several times, and didn't seem bothered at all. Despite the fact that the announcer (?Dierdorf?) kept saying, "uh-oh, Ben's hurt; he's heading to the sidelines. WHen in fact, Ben kept running to the sidelines to wipe the mud off of his gloves. You'd think he'd have figured that out after he did it 2 or 3 times!

 

[gheemony]

Deciding between Ben and Hasslebeck. Very tempting to play Ben since he's indoors. And my opponent has Hines Ward, so I can neutralize a big game out of him. But it seems like every time I play Ben when there is a good matchup, he underperforms.

 

[Filthy]

Deciding between Ben and Hasslebeck. Very tempting to play Ben since he's indoors. And my opponent has Hines Ward, so I can neutralize a big game out of him. But it seems like every time I play Ben when there is a good matchup, he underperforms.

Please don't start with the 'cancel out theory'. Play who you think will get the most points. Ben's 25+ points vs Warner's 25+ points are the same IN ANY MATCHUP. Lemme repeat that......Ben's 25+ points vs Warner's 25+ points are the same IN ANY MATCHUP.

 

[gheemony]

Deciding between Ben and Hasslebeck. Very tempting to play Ben since he's indoors. And my opponent has Hines Ward, so I can neutralize a big game out of him. But it seems like every time I play Ben when there is a good matchup, he underperforms.

Please don't start with the 'cancel out theory'. Play who you think will get the most points. Ben's 25+ points vs Warner's 25+ points are the same IN ANY MATCHUP. Lemme repeat that......Ben's 25+ points vs Warner's 25+ points are the same IN ANY MATCHUP.

blah blah blah blah blah. read the thread.

 

[Dulymus Mudhounds]

I've got to choose between Ben and Drew Brees. Both playing in domes. Both have been white hot lately. Eagles played Romo VERY well last week and that scares me a bit. Leaning towards Ben.

Mud

 

[Filthy]

Deciding between Ben and Hasslebeck. Very tempting to play Ben since he's indoors. And my opponent has Hines Ward, so I can neutralize a big game out of him. But it seems like every time I play Ben when there is a good matchup, he underperforms.

Please don't start with the 'cancel out theory'. Play who you think will get the most points. Ben's 25+ points vs Warner's 25+ points are the same IN ANY MATCHUP. Lemme repeat that......Ben's 25+ points vs Warner's 25+ points are the same IN ANY MATCHUP.

I'm sorry; I'll never, ever, ever suggest such an asinine theory again.

Fixed

 

[3nOut]

Pros and cons of starting Roethlisberger this week:

PROS

1) Good match-up vs. Rams, who don't have a very good pass rush.

2) Pittsburgh offense has created a lot of red zone passing opportunities.

3) Pittsburgh has a division title on the line the next two weeks--no lack of motivation.

CONS

1) Bum shoulder. Looked to me last week like he was going a bit sidearm on his release last week.

2) And he got hit hard a number of times by the Jaguars team. Short week for recovery with the Thursday night game.

3) Santonio Holmes has yet to produce since injuring his hamstring. 5 catches for 47 yards over the last two weeks.

4) Pittsburgh has played poorly on the road: 2-4.

What are other people's thoughts? I'm leaning against playing him (going with Garrard instead).

Regarding the CONS:1) Shoulder should not be an issue.

2) If what you say about the Rams' pass rush is true, getting hit shouldn't matter during the game.

3) This may be true but I think as long as he's on the field, it may be enough to keep Ward and Miller open.

4) Of those four road games, Big Ben had 4, 2, 4, 2, 1, and 1 TDs. Not bad for on the road.

 

[Wadsworth]

Deciding between Ben and Hasslebeck. Very tempting to play Ben since he's indoors. And my opponent has Hines Ward, so I can neutralize a big game out of him. But it seems like every time I play Ben when there is a good matchup, he underperforms.

Please don't start with the 'cancel out theory'. Play who you think will get the most points. Ben's 25+ points vs Warner's 25+ points are the same IN ANY MATCHUP. Lemme repeat that......Ben's 25+ points vs Warner's 25+ points are the same IN ANY MATCHUP.

While I agree in general that the idea of starting someone to cancel out an opponents player is a bad idea. There are situations where I would recommend the strategy. As is the case with most fantasy "rules", they are really more guidelines.

 

[freakshow]

"Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, safety Troy Polamalu and cornerback Ike Taylor seem to be OK and ready to play against the St. Louis Rams.

Roethlisberger, who missed two practices with a sore arm last week and entered Sunday's game against Jacksonville as questionable, "was no worse for the wear, as was Troy, which is encouraging," coach Mike Tomlin said. "Those were two guys going into the game in less than ideal circumstances, as are a lot of people in this business at this time of year. But for those guys to come out of the game no worse for the wear was a good sign for us."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07352/842564-66.stm

Sounds like he didn't take too bad a beating Sunday. I didn't see the game last week, but it sounds like he had good zip on the ball which is the first thing I would expect to go with a shoulder. I think he'll be in better shape injury-wise Thursday, but it still seems like a bit of a hit or miss play. His value is almost completely based on the TDs, you can't expect more than 225 yds. It's just a matter of whether he connects for a few TDs.

If you have a safer, more consistent play (e.g. Garrard) and you need to get 15-20 pts instead of 10-30 pts, bench him.

 

[Routilla]

I am considering switching out Warner for Big Ben. I am not willing to take a 0 in the event AZ jumps on a pathetic ATL team and they just run the ball. Neither team has anything to play for. PIT has to win as they are obviously tied with CLE at 9-5. The dome means I don't have to worry about any weather crap. My real concern with Ben is that the PIT DEF/ST may destroy STL and allow Ben to do nothing more than hand off to Willie and Najeh for most of the 2nd half. Bottom line, is STL capable of scoring atleast 17 points to make this game competitive?

 

[Wadsworth]

I am considering switching out Warner for Big Ben. I am not willing to take a 0 in the event AZ jumps on a pathetic ATL team and they just run the ball. Neither team has anything to play for. PIT has to win as they are obviously tied with CLE at 9-5. The dome means I don't have to worry about any weather crap. My real concern with Ben is that the PIT DEF/ST may destroy STL and allow Ben to do nothing more than hand off to Willie and Najeh for most of the 2nd half. Bottom line, is STL capable of scoring atleast 17 points to make this game competitive?

I'm also looking at Warner or Big Ben and agree that a big part of my choice comes down to if StL can keep it interesting. Having watched the Jags run all over Pitt and Garrard pass decently well, I'm leaning towards thinking the Rams can score some points at home.

 

[freakshow]

I am considering switching out Warner for Big Ben. I am not willing to take a 0 in the event AZ jumps on a pathetic ATL team and they just run the ball. Neither team has anything to play for. PIT has to win as they are obviously tied with CLE at 9-5. The dome means I don't have to worry about any weather crap. My real concern with Ben is that the PIT DEF/ST may destroy STL and allow Ben to do nothing more than hand off to Willie and Najeh for most of the 2nd half. Bottom line, is STL capable of scoring atleast 17 points to make this game competitive?

STL has been playing better of late, but since PIT doesn't use FWP to punch it in, Ben could end up throwing a good amount of TDs. I'd take a 175yd/2td day which is what you might get if they just run the ball all day.

 

[Routilla]

I am considering switching out Warner for Big Ben. I am not willing to take a 0 in the event AZ jumps on a pathetic ATL team and they just run the ball. Neither team has anything to play for. PIT has to win as they are obviously tied with CLE at 9-5. The dome means I don't have to worry about any weather crap. My real concern with Ben is that the PIT DEF/ST may destroy STL and allow Ben to do nothing more than hand off to Willie and Najeh for most of the 2nd half. Bottom line, is STL capable of scoring atleast 17 points to make this game competitive?

STL has been playing better of late, but since PIT doesn't use FWP to punch it in, Ben could end up throwing a good amount of TDs. I'd take a 175yd/2td day which is what you might get if they just run the ball all day.

I would take 2 TDs and 175 as a bottom. But I'm hoping for 3TDs passing and 225 and maybe a rushing TD just for the hell of it.

 

[kal-el]

CONS1) Bum shoulder. Looked to me last week like he was going a bit sidearm on his release last week.

I watched the game live on TV on Sunday and watched the replay again last night on NFL Network. I don't think I've ever seen him throw the ball harder than he did on Sunday. That pass to Heath Miller in the end zone darn near knocked him backwards .... am I missing something?

I watched the game as well. He seemed to be throwing the ball fine. He also got hit and/or knocked down several times, and didn't seem bothered at all. Despite the fact that the announcer (?Dierdorf?) kept saying, "uh-oh, Ben's hurt; he's heading to the sidelines. WHen in fact, Ben kept running to the sidelines to wipe the mud off of his gloves. You'd think he'd have figured that out after he did it 2 or 3 times!

Admittedly, I only saw parts of the game. But it seemed like he threw a couple passes sidearmed--maybe it was just the situation. And I saw him miss a few open receivers on short routes. Seemed like he wasn't comfortable with the shoulder. Maybe he's actually throwing the ball better when he ignores the shoulder and zips it in.

 

[kal-el]

Pros and cons of starting Roethlisberger this week:

PROS

1) Good match-up vs. Rams, who don't have a very good pass rush.

2) Pittsburgh offense has created a lot of red zone passing opportunities.

3) Pittsburgh has a division title on the line the next two weeks--no lack of motivation.

CONS

1) Bum shoulder. Looked to me last week like he was going a bit sidearm on his release last week.

2) And he got hit hard a number of times by the Jaguars team. Short week for recovery with the Thursday night game.

3) Santonio Holmes has yet to produce since injuring his hamstring. 5 catches for 47 yards over the last two weeks.

4) Pittsburgh has played poorly on the road: 2-4.

What are other people's thoughts? I'm leaning against playing him (going with Garrard instead).

Regarding the CONS:1) Shoulder should not be an issue.

2) If what you say about the Rams' pass rush is true, getting hit shouldn't matter during the game.

3) This may be true but I think as long as he's on the field, it may be enough to keep Ward and Miller open.

4) Of those four road games, Big Ben had 4, 2, 4, 2, 1, and 1 TDs. Not bad for on the road.

Good points. Regarding (4), the Steelers giving up some early points to the Rams and playing from behind would probably be the best thing for Roethlisberger's fantasy performance.

 

[smcindoe]

2) Short week for recovery with the Thursday night game.

Possible counter to that (and maybe I'm reaching here): With a long week coming up, they may keep him in a series or two longer than they otherwise would if it's a blowout.

 

[Sabertooth]

I'm in the same boat. Big Garrard fan here BUT....I see Garrard giving Freddy the rock over and over and after last week, the pro-bowl snub and against the Raiders run D. Garrard probably will probably throw for less than 200 and one maybe two TD's. I see Big Ben throwing for a lot to Holmes and Parker on the screens and dumps for some big yardage on the fast track. And St. Louis score a bit as well forcing the steelers to keep up.

My exact choice as well. Garrard or Ben? Ben has gotten me this far, I am sticking with him.

 

[Nigel]

I'm sick over this decision. Two leagues with Ben, also have Warner in one and Favre in the other. I've been flip-flopping on this all week. FBG's have both Favre and Warner rated higher this week, but I'm just not feeling it for many of the reasons mentioned already. I'm pretty sure I'm going with Ben in both.

 

[mistersmith]

I've got Warner/Ben also, and I'm rolling with Ben. Feel like the Rams have the potential to score a lot more points than the Falcons. Bulger had 2 passes that were tipped by his wrs and tipped to the GB secondary. The Rams could've scored a lot more points than they did. Also, this is a must win game for the Steelers. GL everyone.

 

[SKribbles]

Wow... does everyone that has Ben have Garrard too?

I'm gotta pick between Warner, Ben and Garrard (start 2!). Right now I leaning towards using Ben (and Warner) because of the 3 matchups, OAK has the best pass D.

I'd expect about 250 2TDs from Ben with maybe 10-20 yards rushing.

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

It just doesn't feel "right" when I start Ben. I guess cause he's not a flashy start. But every week he gets it done.

He's the #5 FF QB in my league. Considering where I drafted him, that's all the flash I need.

 

[-jb-]

another consideration, although not sure it means anything - ben has never faced the rams.

 

[Routilla]

another consideration, although not sure it means anything - ben has never faced the rams.

Sounds like a 5 TD game waiting to happen.

 

[-jb-]

DOME HISTORY:

2004

No Dome Opponents

2005

IND - 133/1/2

MIN - 149/0/0

DET - 135/0/2

2006

ATL - 238/3/0

NOR - 264/3/0

2007

ARI - 244/2/0

3yr Average - 194/1.5/1

2yr Average - 249/2.6/0.6

1yr Average - 244/2/0

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

DOME HISTORY:2005DET - 1350/2

A NEW NFL RECORD!!

 

[-jb-]

DOME HISTORY:2005DET - 1350/2

A NEW NFL RECORD!!

fixed.

 

[jagbag]

another consideration, although not sure it means anything - ben has never faced the rams.

Sounds like a 5 TD game waiting to happen.

I like your thinking Routilla.

 

[Godsbrother]

CONS1) Bum shoulder. Looked to me last week like he was going a bit sidearm on his release last week.

I watched the game live on TV on Sunday and watched the replay again last night on NFL Network. I don't think I've ever seen him throw the ball harder than he did on Sunday. That pass to Heath Miller in the end zone darn near knocked him backwards .... am I missing something?

I watched the game as well. He seemed to be throwing the ball fine. He also got hit and/or knocked down several times, and didn't seem bothered at all. Despite the fact that the announcer (?Dierdorf?) kept saying, "uh-oh, Ben's hurt; he's heading to the sidelines. WHen in fact, Ben kept running to the sidelines to wipe the mud off of his gloves. You'd think he'd have figured that out after he did it 2 or 3 times!

Admittedly, I only saw parts of the game. But it seemed like he threw a couple passes sidearmed--maybe it was just the situation. And I saw him miss a few open receivers on short routes. Seemed like he wasn't comfortable with the shoulder. Maybe he's actually throwing the ball better when he ignores the shoulder and zips it in.

It was pretty cold and sloppy last week which may have caused a few passes to sail on him. He won't be facing the elements this week which should be a plus.

 

[Godsbrother]

I am considering switching out Warner for Big Ben. I am not willing to take a 0 in the event AZ jumps on a pathetic ATL team and they just run the ball. Neither team has anything to play for. PIT has to win as they are obviously tied with CLE at 9-5. The dome means I don't have to worry about any weather crap. My real concern with Ben is that the PIT DEF/ST may destroy STL and allow Ben to do nothing more than hand off to Willie and Najeh for most of the 2nd half. Bottom line, is STL capable of scoring atleast 17 points to make this game competitive?

I'm also looking at Warner or Big Ben and agree that a big part of my choice comes down to if StL can keep it interesting. Having watched the Jags run all over Pitt and Garrard pass decently well, I'm leaning towards thinking the Rams can score some points at home.

I think so too. I haven't watched any Rams games this season and I know the o-line is a mess but Jackson was able to have a nice game against the Packers. The Steelers defense has been uncharacteristically generous on the ground lately and if Bulger gets some time Holt and Bruce should be able to get open.I think Polamalu could be the wild card in this game. He could really disrupt the Rams offense tonight but if lays an egg, the Steelers defense could be in trouble.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

Don't know how it affects Ben in particular, but the Rams should be a little more hyped up than usual being on the (somewhat with NFL Network) national stage, and Marshall Faulk's jersey going to the rafters. Just another factor to look at.

 

[Routilla]

Don't know how it affects Ben in particular, but the Rams should be a little more hyped up than usual being on the (somewhat with NFL Network) national stage, and Marshall Faulk's jersey going to the rafters. Just another factor to look at.

Ahh, the Faulk factor. Still a presence in FF after all these years.

 

[facook]

I've got to choose between Ben and Drew Brees. Both playing in domes. Both have been white hot lately. Eagles played Romo VERY well last week and that scares me a bit. Leaning towards Ben.Mud

:hijack:Just to tweak your thinking even more, Romo had two very good looks at TO for TDs (both early) and flat out missed him - one on a fly up the right sideline, one on a slant in the end zone. Romo had a lot to do with how well the Eagles played him.Also, my thinking is the Eagles played their Super Bowl last week. Should be a natural let down after playing their 11-1 bitter rivals last week. I'm starting Drew with confidence./:hijack:

 

[dirtywaters20]

I've got to choose between Ben and Drew Brees. Both playing in domes. Both have been white hot lately. Eagles played Romo VERY well last week and that scares me a bit. Leaning towards Ben.Mud

:hijack:Just to tweak your thinking even more, Romo had two very good looks at TO for TDs (both early) and flat out missed him - one on a fly up the right sideline, one on a slant in the end zone. Romo had a lot to do with how well the Eagles played him.Also, my thinking is the Eagles played their Super Bowl last week. Should be a natural let down after playing their 11-1 bitter rivals last week. I'm starting Drew with confidence./:hijack:

I highly doubt it. A bunch of PO's veterans that would love to ruin the Saints' playoff aspirations to return the favor from last year.

 

[chocolate bomber]

I'm starting him over Favre and Palmer. I know those guys have big-game potential, but I see Ben's downside being the least of the three. I need 200/2 minimum and I feel he'll give me the best shot at it. Tough decision, indeed.

Weather - check(dome)

Must-Win - check

Helath - check(so it seeems)

Ward/Holmes/Miller/FWP - check

Opposing Pass def - check

I don't know why anyone is shaky about starting him this week.

 

[-jb-]

I'm starting him over Favre and Palmer. I know those guys have big-game potential, but I see Ben's downside being the least of the three. I need 200/2 minimum and I feel he'll give me the best shot at it. Tough decision, indeed. Weather - check(dome)Must-Win - checkHelath - check(so it seeems)Ward/Holmes/Miller/FWP - checkOpposing Pass def - checkI don't know why anyone is shaky about starting him this week.

i'm not so "shaky," just faced with the same choice as you between him and favre. ben has been far less consistent than favre, but the dome certainly equalizes the equation. i will most likely vacillate between the two up until kickoff tonight.

 

[SlaX]

I'm playing Ben over McNabb for my championship. Unless some news breaks in the next few hours stating that Ben isn't playing, that is.

 

[ditka...mike ditka]

Im trying to decide between him and Derek Anderson. Anderson is playing Cincy, but i just dont see it being as big as a shootout in cincy as it was last time....what to do..what to do...

 

[CrossEyed]

If it's one thing Ben has proven so far is that when it comes to crunch time, he'll produce. I'm starting him over Warner as I think Rams will stand a better chance to score (forcing Pitt to keep moving the ball) than the Falcons.

I have the exact same dilemma. I think I'm going with Ben. But I'm still waffling.

 

[Wu-banger]

sat big Ben last week for Bulger because of matchup and fear of the shoulder injury ........ now I playing for 3rd because of it.

Going with Big Ben...

 

[Cheesedawg]

Wow... does everyone that has Ben have Garrard too?I'm gotta pick between Warner, Ben and Garrard (start 2!). Right now I leaning towards using Ben (and Warner) because of the 3 matchups, OAK has the best pass D.I'd expect about 250 2TDs from Ben with maybe 10-20 yards rushing.

I have Ben and Garrard also FWIW. I am playing Ben but don't feel great about it. I just think the Jags will have so little resistance from the Oak rushing D that Garrard's ceiling is lower this week because they won't need to pass much. I have a feeling Pittsburgh will struggle in this game because of the short week and the injuries they have, but that could force Ben to put it up much of the second half. I hope so.

 

[amphibianbri]

I'm in the Brees/Big Ben dilemma as well. I'm looking more at Brees because A) He's at home, B) He throws for more yardage, C) The Steelers offense hasn't been rolling as much lately as it was earlier in the year. Big Ben has had 3 huge games this year and hasn't really been all that super in other games. Bress on the other hand has had 9 of his last 10 with 2+TD's, and 4 300 yard games in that time. It's championship week, go for the gusto!