Fantasy and reality usually don’t mix, but football is a rare exception.

With an estimated 30 million players nationwide, fantasy football is far from a fad, and the game’s popularity can be explained by the inaccurate title.

For those who are unfamiliar, this isn’t Dungeons and Dragons. There are real athletes, competing in real games, while real fans try to assemble a lineup of players who post the best real-life stats.

A more accurate name would be “the NFL weekly statistical prognostication contest,” but I suppose “fantasy football” has a better ring to it.

Regardless, if you’re a die-hard Pittsburgh fan and happen to be one of the 30 million who play, you might be tempted to grab a Steeler at every opportunity.

But don’t let a favorite team influence judgment when trying to build a team worth bragging about.

Here are some unbiased thoughts on Steelers likely to come off the board:

• Isaac Redman

Even if he bounces back from a recent hip injury, Redman is an unproven starter in the NFL. Getting banged up in training camp doesn’t help his case for being durable and dependable.

Plus, there’s a former first-round pick looming to wipe out Redman’s value once he returns. He goes by the name of ...

• Rashard Mendenhall

He won’t be ready to play in Week 1 … or Week 2 … or a few weeks after that, either.

However, if Mendenhall is available in the late stages of your draft, scoop him up and stash him on the bench. Come fantasy playoff time, he could yield a high reward for little risk.

• Ben Roethlisberger

I believe Big Ben is a top-tier NFL quarterback, but the same can’t be said for his fantasy stock. Roethlisberger has thrown for over 30 touchdowns in a season just once in his career, which was back in 2007.

His numbers could spike under new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, but Roethlisberger’s style of play tends to leave himself vulnerable to injury, adding another reason not to trust him for consistent production compared to other big-name quarterbacks.

• Antonio Brown

Once Brown became more involved in Pittsburgh’s offense, he reeled in 51 catches for 846 yards over the final 10 games of the 2011 regular season. Apply those numbers to a full season, and he would tally 80 receptions for 1,360 yards. He’s a steal in the middle of your draft.

• Mike Wallace

Chances are, someone in your league will gamble on Wallace within the first four rounds.

Don’t be that guy (or girl).

Wallace is expected to report to camp this weekend, but still missed significant time working with Roethlisberger in an unfamiliar offense. Even if he doesn’t miss a beat, Wallace’s speed will garner plenty of attention from opposing defenses, diminishing his value.

It’s hard to understand why he didn’t report to camp and sign his tender immediately. The Steelers made it clear they would not negotiate a long-term deal until he showed up, and Pittsburgh is not the type of franchise to change its stance.

There’s really only one explanation: Wallace was living in a fantasy.

Jason Orfao is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.