Heath Miller (TE, PIT) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Steelers tight end Heath Miller has had an uneven season, intermittently sidetracked by injury, ineffectiveness, and the loss of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at various points in 2015.

Before last Sunday’s tilt in Seattle, Miller had submitted two fantasy-starter worthy performances. After posting eight catches and 84 yards in New England on Opening Night, Miller didn’t put a real dent in the stat sheet again until the November 1st game against Cincinnati, when he went off for 10 catches and 105 yards.

At 33 years old, Miller’s productive career is surely on the decline, and his game-to-game output this year has spoken to that. His outing versus the Seahawks, however, shows that he may still be a viable option at the thin position of tight end.

Miller was heavily featured in Roethlisberger’s offense in the first quarter, as the tight end hauled in five balls for 45 yards through the first 15 minutes. As a Steelers fan, I watched with pleasant surprise as calls of “Heeeeeaaathhh” from the Steeler faithful were heard early and often.

Unfortunately, Miller’s day was cut short by a rib injury during the second quarter. It now remains to be seen whether Heath will be held out of Sunday night’s matchup with the Indianapolis Colts.

Regardless, Miller’s usage last Sunday shows that he is worth a waiver-wire pickup. Few owners have a no-brainer week-to-week option at tight end. Miller, assuming he is able to play, will offer decent upside at the position based on his rapport with Roethlisberger.

Keep an eye on the injury report, but if you have a roster spot and are seeking tight end insurance, don’t sleep on #83 in Pittsburgh.