KFFL.com, a premiere fantasy site, says that Steelers back Rashard Mendenhall should cross the goal-line 9 to 11 times in 2010, but an increased workload as the #1 back could be a major concern:
Pros: In 12 starts last year, Mendenhall was pretty good. He rushed for 1,108 yards (4.6 per carry) and scored eight total touchdowns (one receiving). The Steelers are likely to get back to pounding the ball with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suspended the first six games of the year. Pittsburgh drafted center Maurkice Pouncey in the first round, and he’ll compete with Justin Hartwig for the starting job. Potential for Mendenhall is great, and you should expect an increase in carries this season. Pittsburgh’s defense generally allows them to control the clock with the ground game.
Cons: Once he became the full-time starter, Mendenhall was held to less than 4.0 yards per carry six times, including two games with a sub-2.9-yard average. We have no idea if Mendenhall can hold up to an increased workload. Running backs Mewelde Moore and rookie Jonathan Dwyer will be vying for touches; it is unknown if Mendenhall, only an average receiver, will serve as the third-down back yet. The offensive line took a hit with the loss of right tackle Willie Colon (Achilles’) for the season.
Fantasy tip: There is a lot of potential for a breakout season for this promising back. Mendenhall has gone with the 10th overall pick, on average, and he has some upside. His value doesn’t increase in PPR formats, but he makes for a quality choice in the late first round as your No. 1 back.
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