Fantasy Fallout: What to do with Big Ben's health up in the air

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Here are the fantasy repercussions following the news that Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will undergo surgery on Monday after suffering a torn meniscus in Sunday's game against Miami:

Roethlisberger's absence is obviously a huge blow to the Steelers' offense. He could be back for Week 9 against the Ravens, which would only mean he would miss one game since Pittsburgh has a Week 8 bye.

In the meantime, Landry Jones is expected to start at QB in Week 7 against the Patriots. The Oklahoma product didn't perform all that well while filling in for Big Ben last season, completing 32/55 passes (58.2%) for 513 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions (77.3 passer rating). He is nothing more than a desperation fill-in for Roethlisberger in 2QB leagues.

Even with Jones under center, WR Antonio Brown is still a must-start in season-long leagues, but it's best to avoid him and his sky-high salary in daily fantasy. Other receiving options such as WRs Sammie Coates, Markus Wheaton and TE Jesse James should be avoided in all formats.

The only piece of the offense who can be fully trusted with Jones at the helm is RB Le'Veon Bell. Pittsburgh will likely try to play ground and pound against New England next week, further increasing Bell's already mammoth workload.

Waiver Wire Targets

Here are three viable Week 7 replacements for Roethlisberger owners:

Marcus Mariota, Titans (vs. Colts)

• The sophomore QB is finding his groove. Mariota has been a top fantasy QB the past two weeks, totaling six passing touchdowns and 447 yards, along with rushing for 124 yards and one score on the ground. A Week 7 matchup against the Colts pass defense isn't quite as attractive as last week's contest with Cleveland, but it doesn't scream fade either.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets (vs. Ravens)

• Fitzpatrick has been mediocre at best this season, averaging just 253.4 passing yards per game with five touchdowns in as many games. A home matchup against the Ravens, who could be without top pass rusher Terrell Suggs, makes him an adequate one-week fill-in. For his career, the journeyman QB has been notably better in home games, posting a 83.9 passer rating and a 90:55 TD to INT ratio.

Alex Smith, Chiefs (vs. Saints)

• After posting a dud against Oakland's awful pass defense, Smith draws another favorable matchup in the Saints. New Orleans has allowed over 30 points in four of their first five games and opposing QBs to pass for over 300 yards in four of their five games as well. If this matchup turns into a shootout, Smith could up his pass attempts and production.