Fantasy Football Sleeper Watch: Markus Wheaton

By Zachary Thompson | Aug 28, 2015

Aug 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) is tackled by Green Bay Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

The Steelers offense is expected to be one of the best in the AFC, but given the way things have played out this preseason, they could get off to a rough start. The already were going to be without Le’Veon Bell and yesterday they learned that Martavis Bryant faces suspension for the first four games of the season. While Bryant will still have fantasy football value later in the season, his early season absence opens the door for Markus Wheaton to emerge as a fantasy football sleeper.

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I had already included Bryant in my top ten late-round fliers to consider at WR, but with the news that he’ll get extra playing time early his stock is definitely on the rise. Even before the Bryant suspension, Wheat was quietly getting looks ahead of him throughout the preseason.

In the Steelers pass-heavy attack, Wheaton is locked in at the #2 WR spot and should see plenty of throws his way as teams roll their coverage to cover the beast that is Antonio Brown. Wheaton has lots of upside, and has gotten props from Big Ben as a potential “breakout player” this season. Wheaton seems to be adjusting well to his move to the slot in three-receiver sets, and hauled in a touchdown as part of his three catches for 42 yards on Sunday against Green Bay.

This isn’t the first time Wheaton has generated some buzz. He is entering the third year of his time with the Steelers after being drafted out of Oregon State, and was a sleeper pick last season as well. He finished with incredibly disappointing numbers though catches just 53 passes for 644 yards and never topping 70 yards after week one.

Despite the letdown last season, Wheaton is definitely worth a pick as a WR4 this season given his increased role in the Steelers offense. While Bryant is still worth a late-round pick, Wheaton is now the more valuable Steeler WR and could get off to a fast start with more targets coming his way. If you’re drafting this weekend, Wheaton is a fantasy football sleeper to target to add depth to your WR corps.

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