The biggest Bears fantasy sleeper? Now that’s an interesting question. By this point experts can take a rough guess at who the major names in fantasy football will be for this team. Namely running back Jordan Howard and receiver Cameron Meredith. They were the two best offensive performers in 2016. Sleepers are much more difficult to pinpoint.
Could it be the defense? The unit took some steps forward last year despite injury problems. They’re young and fast and look deeper this time. Maybe it’s quarterback Mike Glennon? The veteran former backup has some talent and showed during his brief stint as starter in Tampa Bay that he can put up solid numbers when the conditions are right.
As it turns out though neither of those are it. The fantasy sleeper to watch in Chicago is one of their recent free agent additions. Somebody expected to have a big rebound season according to Pro Football Weekly.
Biggest Bears fantasy sleeper is Markus Wheaton
“Markus Wheaton / Bears / Limited to only three games in 2016, Wheaton put up big numbers in 2015 (44-749-5), and a contract with $6 million guaranteed says the Bears expect him to be heavily involved in the offense. A new quarterback (Mike Glennon) means a fresh start for a receiving group, but Wheaton is a big-play threat when healthy with his speed.
Consider him a fantasy sleeper, as there are question marks on that WR depth chart. Cameron Meredith broke out last year and should be the No. 1 if he keeps ascending, while Kevin White returns from a second year-ending injury.”
It’s certainly an interesting choice. Wheaton looked like he was ready to take on the NFL in 2016. He’d just completed his best season yet the year before. Also Pittsburgh would likely feature him more in the passing game to the suspension of fellow receiver Martavis Bryant. Unfortunately he got hurt just a few weeks into the season.
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Markus Wheaton has essentially been the Steelers biggest disappointment this year. He is a free agent in 2017… do you re-sign or let walk? pic.twitter.com/6Gs7BI1Jrb
— The Steel Crew (@TheSteelCrew) December 16, 2016
So he’s definitely coming into Chicago with a huge chip on his shoulder. Antonio Brown, his former teammate stated that one thing about Wheaton that stood out was his work ethic. Few dedicated themselves to the craft more than him. That could make all the different this year. The Bears receiving competition is going to be wide open.
Outside of Meredith they really have no proven targets. Kevin White has played four games in two years. Kendall Wright suffered a severe regression in Tennessee. Victor Cruz is 30-years old and missed 26-straight games prior to last season. All they have at this point are a bunch of intriguing names with talent and speed but no proven production in the Bears offense. It’s a prime proving ground for resurrecting a career.
Wheaton no doubt would love to take advantage of it. For that reason fantasy owners should definitely take notice. His odds of making the team are pretty solid. If things progress well in training camp he could become a favorite target of Glennon by opening day. Everything comes down to health and how bad he wants it.
