Fantasy Football Week 12 Sleeper: Antonio Bryant

Antonio Bryant entered the 2009 season as a potential go-to receiver for fantasy owners.  He set career highs in receptions (83), yards (1,248) and touchdowns (7) in 2008, but injuries have certainly put a damper on any potential upside.

After missing Weeks 9 and 10, Bryant returned last week to little fanfare.  He had three catches for 40 yards, but was also the second-most targeted receiver on the team with six (Kellen Winslow led the way with 13).

That trend should continue, as the Buccaneers are not a particularly deep team at wide receiver.  Winslow leads the team with 47 receptions, 483, yards and five touchdowns.  He is the only player with more than 21 catches. 

In fact, despite missing numerous games and being hindered by injury, Bryant is third on the team in receptions (19), second in yards (269) and second in touchdowns (2).

There is no reason to think that he can’t be productive in Week 11 against a bad Falcons passing defense:

• Last week they saw the combination of Mario Manningham and Steve Smith combine for 205 yards on 10 catches.
• Two weeks ago, it was Muhsin Muhammad who had 91 yards on six catches (Steve Smith had a pair of touchdown catches in the game as well).

Overall, they have allowed the fourth-most yards per game at 253.4 yards.  It’s not only yardage, but they have also allowed 16 TDs through the air, 10th most in the league.

I wouldn’t depend on him as anything more than a WR3, especially with a rookie QB leading the offense.  Still, given the matchup, if there is any week you are going to take the gamble on him, this is the one.

What are your thoughts?  Will he be usable?

Other Week 12 Sleepers:

• Justin Forsett

Make sure to check out our Week 12 Rankings:

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers
• Tight Ends
• Kickers
• Defenses

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