Fantasy Football: Deep Sleepers Worth Considering

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Dec 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver

Markus Wheaton

(11) returns a kickoff against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Markus Wheaton, Pittsburgh Steelers

ADP: 132.1

Owned %: 50.2

Position: Wide Receiver

2014 Season Statistics: 16 GP, 53 REC, 87 TGTS, 644 YDS, 2 TD

Antonio Brown is the most productive wide receiver in the NFL. He pulled down 129 receptions for 1,698 yards—both of which ranked No. 1 in the league—and 13 touchdowns in 2014.

True as that may be, Brown isn’t the only wide receiver on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Markus Wheaton is receiving no hype in fantasy football leagues, and it’s hard to understand why. Le’Veon Bell is a huge part of the offense, but he’ll miss two games due to a suspension.

That’s more than enough time for Wheaton, a rising force in Pittsburgh, to establish himself as a critical weapon.

Wheaton had a solid second season, pulling down 53 receptions on 87 targets. He won’t pile up touchdowns, but if you play in a point-per-reception league, Wheaton could have exceptional value.

Teams will key in on Brown in 2014-15, which means Wheaton will be trusted to move the chains with roughly five quality-yardage receptions per game.

Next: Which NFL veterans most deserve to win the Super Bowl?

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