The drama surrounding Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant has given rookie slot receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster a window of opportunity to see more action against the Detroit Lions in Week 8.
Fantasy football start/sit advice Week 8: What to do with JuJu Smith-Schuster Sunday
The Steelers rookie slot receiver could see more action with Martavis Bryant on the bench. We look at the fantasy implications.
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Bryant will be inactive for the Steelers Sunday following his rant about the team on social media. Smith-Schuster is right behind Bryant in every passing category except touchdowns with 26 targets, 17 receptions, and 231 receiving yards. He has three touchdowns this season, two more than Bryant.
Smith-Schuster could easily surpass Bryant in the passing game Sunday. The Lions have allowed just under 850 yards and six touchdowns to opposing wideouts so far this season. Smith-Schuster should see more targets against the Lions in Bryant’s absence.
Fantasy impact: Smith-Schuster has not been a big fantasy name this season. He is averaging only around four targets per game and completes a little over 65 percent of his catches. However, this could be a bigger week for the rookie receiver with Bryant on the bench. He also has a matchup with Detroit that plays in his favor. It is a tough week for owners with so many teams on bye. If you are strapped for starters at wide receiver, Smith-Schuster has flex play appeal this week.
