The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the league's most intriguing pictures at running back. Le'Veon Bell is a top-shelf fantasy option but hardly a guarantee to play a full 16 games. DeAngelo Williams is still a capable starter but could be short on reps behind Bell. Perhaps the Steelers will surprise by keeping both on the field for extended periods.
Le'Veon Bell
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 911 rushing yards, 52 catches for 447 yards, 8.3 touchdowns
Over or under: Over in all categories. Whether Bell plays 12 or 16 games, depending on the suspension he's facing, the Steelers need him and will feed him when he's on the field. Getting 1,300-plus yards in 12 games is reasonable for Bell, who figures to be a potent red zone threat in the running and passing game. In fact, the Steelers could use him more than ever as a receiver while Martavis Bryant serves a suspension and Ladarius Green misses time. Bell has gotten extended looks out wide in goal-line packages during training camp. Ben Roethlisberger will be throwing his way early and often in the short-to-intermediate game. Bell averaged four catches per game in six outings last year despite playing 58 snaps with Roethlisberger. With Bell entering free agency in 2017, the Steelers will ride him well into December, assuming his knees hold up.
DeAngelo Williams
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 613 rushing yards, 3.3 touchdowns
Over or under: Under in yards, over in touchdowns. Williams showed a knack for goal-line scoring last season, so he should get more chances there, especially if Bell serves his suspension in full. But the Steelers haven't yet shown they will use both running backs when Bell is healthy. Williams got 13 carries in the five games Bell started and finished last season. This is about lack of opportunities, not ability. Williams should get close to 600 yards, but unless the Steelers go out of their way to get both guys on the field, carries won't be plentiful from October to December.
Who else could see time: The Steelers like the development of Fitz Toussaint, who is a willing pass-blocker and rushed for nearly 100 yards over a two-game playoff stretch last year. Daryl Richardson is shifty in the open field but a long shot to make the roster unless the team decides to keep four backs.
