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Fantasy Football: 5 sleeper plays for Week 1

By Andrew Garda

Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) attempts to catch a pass during the first quarter as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) defends at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) attempts to catch a pass during the first quarter as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) defends at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 29, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) runs after a catch as Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Nigel Bradham (53) pursues during the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (11) runs after a catch as Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Nigel Bradham (53) pursues during the first quarter at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Markus Wheaton vs New England

We can expect a very ticked off New England Patriots team to show up Thursday night to kick things off for the 2015 NFL season, which might be one of the reasons people are overlooking Wheaton. That, coupled with no Le’Veon Bell and an offensive line without its starting center.

Still, Wheaton is likely to be a prime piece of this offense, which could be in the position of having to pass a lot with the aforementioned lack of Bell and a potentially terrible defense. NFL.com’s Marc Wesseling reported that Wheaton was going to see more action way back in April, so the Steelers have been talking Wheaton up for a long time. It hasn’t slacked off, with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger predicting a big season in training camp as well.

That’s in large part because they probably knew Martavis Bryant was going to be suspended, though Wheaton was drafted with the idea that he could step into a bigger role.

While Antonio Brown is likely to get the biggest day of the Steelers’ receivers, he’ll see some coverage. The Patriots secondary isn’t nearly as good as it was last season, but don’t think for a second head coach Bill Belichick will allow Brown to roam free. He’ll tilt his coverage to contain Brown.

Which means Wheaton will have a better chance of getting open.

Wheaton is unlikely to be a top fantasy stud this weekend, but he should put up some nice numbers. I’m seeing him as a very nice No. 3 wide receiver this week, and well worth a play despite the early game.

For daily fantasy, he’s a relative value as well. Fanduel has him costing $5,700—less than Malcom Floyd, Kendall Wright and Victor Cruz (who might not even play) and just $100 more than Percy Harvin. That’s really a lot of value, considering that aside from Wright, Wheaton will likely score more points.

It’s even better at Draftkings where he costs a paltry $3,800. That’s less than Greg Jennings, Marquise Lee and Kenny Britt who costs $5000 this week, which seems insane.

Next: 1. Ryan Tannehill vs Washington

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