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The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ defense was gashed by a combination of Terrence West/Ben Tate (141 yards) and Bernard Pierce/Justin Forsett (152 yards) in the run game over the two previous weeks. With DeAngelo Williams‘ questionable status pertaining to a thigh issue, Jonathan Stewart is a Week 3 running back that should be started in fantasy football.
Stewart paid decent dividends for owners last week against the Detroit Lions. He had one reception for 22 yards, while adding 37 yards rushing to the tally with a score. Those are sustainable numbers for a low-end RB2 or a flex option over the course of an entire fantasy season.
Even if Williams suits up and takes touches away from Stewart, history has shown this season that the Steelers’ defense is susceptible to allowing big runs. Also, it shows two backs sharing a workload can still find fantasy success against them.
Expect Stewart to get the bulk of the carries in this ball game with some red-zone and goal-line work mixed into the equation as well. Home field advantage should swing things more in Stewart’s and the run game’s favor as well. The Carolina Panthers are a team that gets by on the strength of their stout defense and being able to control the clock and pace of the game on offense by handing the rock off.
It’s entirely possible Stewart breaks off a run of 20-plus yards in this game. If that happens, he should approach 100 yards rushing in the contest with two to five receptions.
Jordan Wevers is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanWevers, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
