The NFL has upheld the suspension of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who is now set to miss the first four games of the regular season.
Martavis Bryant’s fantasy value takes big hit with 4-game suspension upheld
Martavis Bryant’s appeal failed and he’ll miss the first four games of the season. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Bryant was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, which reportedly includes “multiple failed marijuana tests.” A fourth-round pick out of Clemson in 2014, Bryant played sparingly in the first half of his rookie season but finished the year strong with eight touchdowns on just 26 catches. He was expected to play a bigger role in his second season but the suspension throws cold water on those plans.
Fantasy impact: Markus Wheaton is locked in as the starting No. 2 receiver next to Antonio Brown. Wheaton disappointed last season, but he has another opportunity to return WR3 fantasy value while Bryant is out. Bryant has shown that he can produce on limited snaps, but missing almost a third of the fantasy season makes him a poor investment at his current sixth-round ADP. He’s worth a bench stash if you have the depth, but don’t overpay for him.
