One reason the Pittsburgh Steelers offense ranks fifth in passing yards per game (289.7) and fourth in scoring (27.0) is Ben Roethlisberger. The other reason is the hugely impressive wide receiver trio he has to throw to. Antonio Brown is the obvious headliner and Martavis Bryant is the physical freak who oozes potential, but Markus Wheaton is quietly one of the better complimentary pass-catchers in the game.
With the fantasy football playoffs in full swing and many of you vying for a championship, the question of whether to start Wheaton or Bryant is a legitimate one. While Bryant remains the higher-upside option of the two, Wheaton does possess the potential to contribute.
At this point, skepticism is a completely fair response from you. After all, Wheaton averaged a measly 3.0 standard fantasy points through Week 11 (I may or may not be a bitter Wheaton owner). However, over the past four weeks he ranks 10th in standard wide receiver fantasy points per game (13.8) and ninth in PPR leagues (19.3).
"A key to this increase has been Wheaton's utilization in the vertical passing game (defined as aerials thrown 11 or more yards downfield)," ESPN NFL Insider KC Joyner wrote. "His 22 vertical targets since Week 12 rank tied for fifth in the NFL in that category and are actually a higher total than Antonio Brown, his much more celebrated teammate, has generated in that time frame (19)."
This is especially relevant as the Steelers will play the Baltimore Ravens this week. According to Joyner, Baltimore is surrendering 27.8 points per game to opposing WRs over the last four games, the 26th-worst mark in the league. They have allowed more vertical passing scores (7) than any other team in that span. Overall, the Ravens are tied for 22nd in the league in receiving touchdowns allowed (28).
Wheaton is a readily available option who has topped 50 yards in each of his last four contests. You could do a lot worse if you're looking for an emergency fill-in.
