This is my start them or sit them fantasy advice for the Panthers this week.
Player |
Start or Sit? |
Comment |
QB Cam Newton |
Start |
You don't draft a QB as high as you most likely drafted Newton to sit him on the bench unless you have a good back-up with a juicy match-up. Don't starting doubt yourself now, just start him. Ignore the fact he only managed 141 yards passing, 0 TDs, and 42 yards rushing against this defense last season. |
WR Steve Smith |
Sit |
If you drafted Smith high then you pretty much have to start him but if you have a decent replacement go for it because the opener is as tough of a match-up as Smitty will see all season. Smitty only managed 40 yards against the Seahawks last year. |
RB DeAngelo Williams |
Sit |
Another player who struggled last year, leave Williams on your bench as hopefully you drafted other options. If not, well then "that will learn ya" |
RB Jonathan Stewart |
Sit |
Stewart is on the PUP for the first five games but is worth a spot on your bench if you can afford it. |
TE Greg Olsen |
Sit |
Olsen logged 37 yards on 2 receptions against the Seahawks last season so until we know how many targets Shula will design for him I recommend a wait and watch approach with Olsen. He will be a good start in the near weeks to come. |
RB Mike Tolbert |
Sit |
The TD vulture hasn't been fantasy worthy since coming to Carolina but that could always change. Regardless until he logs significant touches in this offense leave him on the waiver wire. |
Panthers DST |
Sit |
I'm very tempted to label this a ‘start' as my gut is telling me the Panthers defense has something special working and will surprise the Seahawks. But this is fantasy where I'm much more pragmatic and conservative. I want to see them do it on the field first and so I'm recommending a ‘Sit' status. |
WR Brandon LaFell |
Sit |
It's hard to see LaFell being a good start this early in the season. If he gets a consistent amount of targets he might develop into a good bye week replacement after week 4. |
WR Ted Ginn |
Sit |
I'm keeping an eye on Ginn to see if the Panthers really use him in the passing game. If they do he has the potential to be fantasy relevant. Until that is proven though leave him on the waiver wire. |
RB Kenjon Barner |
Sit |
Again, we need to see how the Panthers plan to use Barner, if at all. Leave him on the waiver wire for now until he gets the touches. |
WR Domenik Hixon |
Sit |
Same as Barner, we have no idea how much he figures into the game plan. |
K Graham Gano |
Start |
Though I didn't draft Gano myself Rivera has not hesitated to trust Gano with the 50+ yard kicks and he has been knocking them down. Given the Panther offense has shown a propensity to stall in the red zone I see a lot of FG tries for Gano. |