Ben Roethlisberger Suspended Six Games: Fantasy Impact

Posted by Kurt on Apr 21, 2010 in Fantasy Football

Perhaps a more recent article of interest is..Can Ben Roethlisberger Capture His Third Super Bowl Ring?

Reports out of Pittsburgh are that the NFL has suspended two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the first six games of the 2010 NFL season.

If the suspension is shortened to four games (which remains possible), then Roethlisberger could return after the Steelers’ bye (Week Five). In this scenario, Roethlisberger would miss the Steelers’ games at home against Atlanta, at Tennessee, at Tampa Bay and at home against the Ravens. The Steelers fifth game (vs. Cleveland) and sixth (at Miami) are potential misses for Roethlisberger.

Rumors are also swirling that the Steelers are contacting teams with top ten picks in Thursday night’s NFL Draft, looking to move Roethlisberger in a blockbuster deal.

The fantasy impact of the suspension is one thing. Obviously, Roethlisberger is no longer a top-20 fantasy quarterback on any draft board. The suspension, coupled with the trade of his top target, Santonio Holmes, nearly kills Roethlisberger’s season-long fantasy value.

However, a consideration must be made for owners looking for a backup that Roethlisberger will have less mileage on his body when fantasy playoffs start (Weeks 12-16), and Roethlisberger could be a strong play as a handicap. Considering Roethlisberger has the Jets DEF in Week 15, though, hurts his case to be considered a top-tier Number One quarterback in the playoffs.

On Tuesday, the Steelers traded for Byron Leftwich. UPDATE: News out of Pittsburgh after the Roethlisberger suspension was formally announced is that the Steelers have extended Leftwich’s contract. The terms are not yet know, but this fact might lend some credibility to the Roethlisberger trade rumors.

Roethlisberger is now nothing more than a backup fantasy quarterback at best for the 2010 season.

If he’s traded, clearly that changes things. We’ll update the impact if that happens.

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