Le'Veon Bell is the starter in Pittsburgh -- that much is clear after one game. We break down the fantasy implications.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell might end up giving up some carries to LeGarrette Blount when it's all said and done, but he took the bulk of the touches in the team's opener against the Cleveland Browns. Bell carried the ball 21 times for 109 hard-fought yards and a touchdown. He also caught six passes for 88 yards, and had great fantasy production for the game.
Now, the Steelers face the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. Baltimore held the Cincinnati Bengals to 79 total yards rushing, with Giovani Bernard having a 3.4 yards per carry average. That said, the Bengals gouged the Ravens' defense for 301 passing yards and if Week 1 is any indication, Bell will be used in that role plenty.
Fantasy Impact: Bell has worked his way up and is a must-start this week. He's not the top fantasy running back nor does he ever project to be, but he gets the hard yards and will be counted on big time against the Ravens. Fantasy owners should have no worries when it comes to potentially starting him for this one, and it's reasonable to expect about the same amount of production out of him as Week 1.