Fantasy Football: Start or sit Brent Celek against the Steelers?

The Philadelphia Eagles will welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to town as two of the NFL’s undefeated go head up to see who runs the State. Tight end Zach Ertz will miss another game, making way for the veteran Brent Celek to earn major playing time.

Last week, rookie QB, Carson Wentz attempted 34 passes against the Bears, connecting on 21 with only 1 directed towards the TE. With the Bears not as strong in their LB core, I figured Celek would see plenty of action across the middle. I was wrong.

Celek, a 10-year vet, has been in this position before and has either met or exceeded his projected totals in Fantasy Football. He may not have the speed that Ertz has, but he’s been in the league long enough to know how to put himself in proper position to get his catches and to keep the QB in a rhythm.

Wentz and the Eagles offense came out in  no-huddle to start the game against the Bears and never really settled down, Wentz went with quick throws to WR’s and dink passes to his RB’s. The Eagles also rushed 32 times, and kept Celek in for either pass protection or run blocking.

The Steelers defense has not given up many yards to opposing TE’s this season and with Celek not being one of the fastest that may hold true again Sunday. With both offenses looking to focus on the run, expect to see Celek in the same position he was in against the Bears. More blocking.

With the Eagles looking to gain control on the ground against the league’s No. 1 run defense they will need Celek more on the line of scrimmage as an extra blocker. If the Eagles were to have any success with Mathews and Sproles that will allow for play action in which Celek can release off the line later that usual, catching the defense off-balance. But the Steelers LB’s are fast enough to cover the TE, so once again his options will be limited.

The Eagles offense played last week, and if they wish to continue that success against the Steelers, then the veteran Celek must play a huge role this week. Just too bad it will be as a blocker.

Fade Brent Celek against the Steelers.