Benny Snell
Mike Tomlin expects a year two jump from Benny Snell. Is Snell a great flier to take in fantasy despite a crowded backfield? (Benny Snell. – MATT SUNDAY / DKPS)

Does anybody know what to make of the Steelers backfield in 2020? James Conner is supposed to be the lead dog but he wasn’t great and was hampered by injuries last year. Benny Snell took on some work but wasn’t super efficient. Jaylen Samuels is more of a chess piece. Now Anthony McFarland was just drafted. So… what should fantasy owners do?

Mike Tomlin recently talked about his backfield and said he expects a year 2 jump from Benny Snell. It could be an indication that Snell is a factor in the offense:

“I’m excited about Year Two,” Tomlin said, via SteelersDepot.com. “You know how it is, you’ve been a lap around the track, you kind of know how to ground is laid. He had some contribution to us a year ago and it’s reasonable to expect him to just continue to take off and be a big-time guy for us.”

Spoiler alert; I do like Benny Snell as a flier in fantasy. I think Snell will be better than his rookie year. He only averaged 3.9 yards per carry on 108 carries. I do think Snell fits what they want to do. A big back that can slim down a bit and still run with power.

Mike Tomlin Should Win Coach Of The Year

More so, Snell’s outcome will depend on James Conner. 2018 was drastic compared to 2019. Tomlin’s track record suggests that he doesn’t love using a committee. He loves using one back if possible. With such a crowded backfield, it’s hard to say if Snell will pop but it’s a flier worth taking. Conner is also in a contract year so if Snell emerges, it’s a great long term play.