1 YPC ownership of clearcut starting job

Consider other options unless a definitive answer comes Saturday. Should Roethlisberger start, Pittsburgh will likely employ a pass-first offense. Baltimore is much weaker in pass than run defense, and will be without both top pass rusher Terrell Suggs (MCL sprain) and CB Fabian Washington (torn ACL). Get Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and Heath Miller going if Big Ben looks like a go.

Rashard Mendenhall is coming off a 116-total yard effort, but isn't remotely as good a fantasy play as he was last week The Ravens have the NFL's No. 5 rush defense and Mendenhall's confidence still wavers at times despite a terrific season (5.1 YPC, ownership of clear-cut starting job). This is the same Ray Lewis-led defense that broke Mendenhall's shoulder in Week 4 last year, ending his rookie season Hesitant running could earn him a spot on the bench. Still, there have been no signs that Willie Parker or Mewelde Moore will significantly cut into his workload if Mendenhall plays well. He saw 25 touches last week compared to Parker's seven and Moore's two.

Flacco has one TD pass since Week 6 and is barely a QB2 at this point He's topped 195 yards just once in the last month. Pittsburgh is a top-12 team against the pass, allowing just 6.4 yards per throw (fifth fewest in the league). The failure of Kelley Washington and Mark Clayton to step up in contract years has made Derrick Mason easier to double team and take out of games with bracket coverage. Coordinator Dick LeBeau runs a blitz-heavy agenda, so Mason should theoretically see plenty of man coverage Ray Rice faces the NFL's No.