FanDuel Studs to Target in Week 9

Ben Roethlisberger

FanDuel Price: $8,300
numberFire Projected Points: 20.23

To say Ben Roethlisberger struggled in his first game back from an MCL sprain and bone bruise suffered in Week 3 would be putting it nicely. But with his legs now under him after facing the relatively strong and improving 12th ranked Cincinnati Bengals' pass defense in Week 8, a home matchup against the lowly 29th ranked Oakland Raiders pass defense may be just what the doctor ordered to get him back on track.

One thing working in Roethlisberger's favor this weekend is potential game flow. With the unfortunate early exit of Le'Veon Bell from the Steelers backfield, it’d make sense if the offensive game plan were tilted more in favor of the pass. DeAngelo Williams is certainly a capable running back, and he actually led the league in terms of Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP) after the first two weeks of the season while Bell was suspended. But in those two games, he squared up against the Patriots and 49ers, who rank 23rd and 31st against the rush per our numbers respectively. The Raiders currently rank 10th in the league per this same metric, so the Steelers are likely to find more success through the air.

With an over/under of 48 and an implied point total of 27.5 at home, Roethlisberger is poised to bounce back in Week 9. Roster him in tournament lineups while his ownership is depressed and the matchup is juicy.