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As a Buffalo Bills fan out of my element here in northeastern Pennsylvania, I have gone to my fair share of bars in search of Bills games on TV.

By jumping from bar to bar, and making my way to a few of sports apparel stores as well, it’s pretty clear that a good-sized portion of this community is Pittsburgh Steelers fans. With the injury to Ben Roethlisberger, I imagine this is an unsettling time in Steelers Nation right now.

From a fantasy standpoint, some of you might be panicking about what you should do with Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. To me, the answer is simple: Do nothing.

Look, chances are extremely, and I mean extremely, high that if you were lucky enough to have drafted Brown, you had your league’s top pick. And Bell made you wait.

Suspended the first three weeks of the season, not only did you draft Bell high, but he sat on your bench until Week 4. It stunk. Believe me I know.

Even though Brown has never caught a touchdown pass from a quarterback not named Ben Roethlisberger, that doesn’t mean you should be panicking and looking to dump the league’s top wideout as soon as possible, and for whatever you can get. Brown is an incredible wide receiver and he’ll still find ways to make an impact. If Big Ben’s injury has any impact in the passing game, Sammie Coates is likely to suffer before anyone else.

Bell on the other hand is a top-3 running back. He’s right there with David Johnson and LeSean McCoy. With Landry Jones under center there’s a very good possibility that the running game will take center stage now. Expect Bell to continue to be a top-3 running back moving forward. And if he’s not, I’ll take him off your hands.

Just as a reminder, set your lineups early on Sunday. The New York Giants and the Los Angeles kick off at 9:30 a.m. in London.

Quarterback

Must have: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Remember last week when I said Ryan would get back in my good graces sooner rather than later? Well, here we are.

A matchup against one of the league’s worst passing defense, Matty Ice is set to succeed at home against San Diego in what will likely be a shootout.

Could do without: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

There’s something different between Drew Brees at home and Drew Brees on the road. I don’t know why, but there is.

Maybe its because he plays in a dome while he’s at home. But either way, road Drew Brees is often much worse than home Drew Brees. With a game at Kansas City this week, I’m staying away.

Worth a shot: Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

After posting back-to-back weeks of 27-plus points, fantasy football owners should take notice of Mariota.

I understand Brock Osweiler struggled against the Indianapolis Colts last week, but that’s Brock Osweiler. And let’s face it, he’s been a major disappointment during his tenure in Houston.

Considering Indianapolis has given up the third-most passing yards this season, and Mariota has been used in the running game more often the last couple of games, the former Oregon Duck is in for another big week.

Running back

Must have: DeMarco Murray, Tennessee Titans

For weeks I thought there would become a point when Murray would slow down, it hasn’t happened, yet.

Facing a mediocre Colts defense, Murray isn’t going to slow down Sunday.

Could do without: Frank Gore, Indianapolis Colts

Gore has been a solid fantasy running back for what seems like forever.

While the Titans rushing defense is average, the Colts have struggled to run the ball this year and the best way to score against Tennessee might be through the air.

Worth a shot: Mike Gillislee, Buffalo Bills

There have been somewhat contradicting reports about LeSean McCoy’s availability for Sunday, and if McCoy doesn’t start against the Miami Dolphins, Gillislee is a top-15 play.

He’s already scored two touchdowns with limited touches so far and played well last year when both McCoy and Karlos Williams were out. Gillislee is a sneaky play if McCoy is out.

Wide receiver

Must have: Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars

Robinson has been mostly a disappointment in fantasy this season.

However, Sunday looks to be a shootout considering the Jags are hosting the Oakland Raiders. Robinson could be in for a big week.

Could do without: DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans

Ugh. DeAndre Hopkins. Ugh.

Even with a matchup against the Denver Broncos, you’re probably starting him, but you’re not happy about it. I’m not happy about it.

Worth a shot: Tyrell Williams, San Diego Chargers

It’s very likely that Sunday’s matchup between the San Diego Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons is going to be a shootout, which will benefit Williams greatly. With a banged up Travis Benjamin, Williams could be in for some extra targets as well.

Tight end

Must have: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

The New Orleans Saints have given up a touchdown to tight ends in each of their last two games, Kelce’s about to make it three.

Could do without: Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers

It looks like Hunter Henry has passed Gates on the depth chart at this point. And while he’s still pretty fantasy-relevant, Gates is extremely touchdown dependent.

There are better options out there.

Worth a shot: Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans

Walker has been a bit of a bust this season, being held under five points four times this year. However, a matchup against the Colts is an opportunity to bounce back.

Eberle
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_DJ-Eberle-1-1-3.jpg.optimal.jpgEberle

By DJ Eberle

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Reach DJ Eberle at 570-991-6398 or on Twitter @ByDJEberle.