Week 9 vs. Oakland
Bryant had a tough game last week in Ben Roethlisberger's return, dropping a touchdown pass and finishing with four catches for 49 yards. He also wasn't on the field as much as you might expect. But that will change moving forward as the Steelers will need to open up their passing game without Le'Veon Bell. Oakland allows the third-most yards in the league to opposing receivers, though they have allowed just three touchdowns to the position. Bryant should be a solid start in all leagues this week.
Week 8 vs. Cincinnati
After catching three passes for 45 yards and a score last week, Bryant now has 11 touchdowns in 12 career games. That's a nice percentage. Bryant is a matchup problem for most teams and has been good against Cincinnati in his two meetings, including catching a 94-yard TD pass against them last season. With Ben Roethlisberger back this week, the Steelers offense should be one of the best in the NFL. Get your Steelers in the lineup.
Week 7 at Kansas City
Welcome back Mr. Bryant. In his first game this season, Bryant announced his presence with authority last week, going for a line of 6-137-2, including an 88-yard catch-and-run that is the longest play in the NFL this season. The best thing about Bryant's TDs was neither one was a long throw, something he specialized in last season. Kansas City has allowed 11 WR TDs this season. Feel free to roll on with Bryant as a No. 2 option with upside potential.
Week 5 at San Diego
Bryant did not return last week, as expected, after tweaking his knee at practice (something you knew early if you're a subscriber to this web site). He will be back this week, and the Steelers will take advantage with some deep shots to him. Use Bryant as a flex play this week, and hope he goes off. Mike Vick isn't Ben Roethlisberger, but he can at least throw deep.
Week 5 at San Diego
Bryant might return to the lineup this week, and the Steelers will be anxious to show off their new toy if he does play. He looked great in the preseason and his height and speed will allow him to have a shot to come down with a deep pass or two against a smaller San Diego secondary. The Chargers do, however, rank first in the NFL in terms of points allowed to opposing WRs and after practicing Monday, Bryant spent time watching practice later in the week. The Steelers don't have to activate him until Monday, so if you've got another option go with it. Bryant might be a week away from returning.
Fantasy Upside
A true home-run hitter, Martavis Bryant caught eight TD passes in 10 games last season on just 26 receptions. He also topped 500 yards. You do the math and you see the potential for a full season. Antonio Brown is going to get plenty of attention - and action - but Bryant is a potential breakout star.
Fantasy Downside
With Brown and Le'Veon Bell also getting plenty of action, Bryant might not be a high-volume guy. He also is looking at a 4-game suspension to open the season for a positive marijuana test.
Bottom Line
The possible 4-game suspension clouds the issue here. I don't know that Bryant will average a touchdown per game - as he nearly did last season - but he should at least approach double digits. Bryant's going in the fifth round of most drafts, so he's not sneaking up on anyone. His value isn't quite as high in PPR leagues, but guys who can get into the end zone consistently are valuable in any league. Obviously, you have to downgrade a guy who has a 4-game suspension hanging over his head, but Bryant is very talented.
Martavis Bryant Wildcard game vs. Ravens
Martavis Bryant had just one catch last week, but it went for a 21-yard touchdown. His eighth scoring catch of the season also came on a WR screen, which is significant, since he hadn't had a lot of success with those type of passes previously. Bryant caught just three passes for 44 yards in his only meeting with Baltimore this season, but two went for scores. He should be a decent No. 3 start this week against the Ravens.
Martavis Bryant Week 17 vs. Bengals
Martavis Bryant had just one catch last week but it went for 44 yards. He and Ben Roethlisberger failed to hook up on another deep shot in his only other target of the game. Bryant had four receptions for 109 yards and a score three weeks ago against Cincinnati as the Steelers worked him on some short stuff before finally attempting and completing a deep shot in the fourth quarter that went for 94 yards. He's hit and miss, but the upside potential for Bryant is considerable.
Martavis Bryant Week 16 vs. Chiefs
Martavis Bryant had just three catches for 31 yards last week but was targeted in the end zone on one play that was broken up and another time on a deep pass. He has scored five of his seven touchdowns - in eight games - in four games at Heinz Field this season. The big-play potential is too great to overlook, though he's probably best served as a flex option.
Martavis Bryant Week 15 vs. Falcons
After being kept out of the end zone in two consecutive games, Martavis Bryant not only scored his seventh touchdown in seven games, he also recorded his second 100-yard game on four receptions. He remains a high-risk, high-reward play, but he's not bad as a No. 3 receiver with plenty of upside. Atlanta has allowed 13 TDs to opposing wideouts and Bryant has the potential to score from anywhere.
