NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Carolina Panthers. As always, average draft position (ADP) is pulled from FantasyPros.com.
Must Owns
Cam Newton, QB, (ADP: 64): Newton was a bit of a disappointment last year. He started 2014 hurt, and his rushing suffered. His passing is usually below the elite level, and definitely was in 2014 behind a porous offensive line. The line is still shaky, but Newton is healthy. In leagues where passing touchdowns count for four points instead of six, Newton still offers tremendous value because of his rushing. In leagues where passing touchdowns count for six, he drops. If the rushing TDs are there, he will be a Top 5 QB. If not, you’ll be shopping for help by Week 6.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, (ADP: 45): Stewart is getting drafted higher than ever, mostly because Deangelo Williams is no longer around to steal half his touches. Stewart was resurgent last year with 4.6 yards per carry, but the two seasons prior weren’t anything special. He is injury-prone as well, so an increased workload might be bad news. As of now, he’s one of the more overdrafted players in fantasy.
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, (ADP: 34):Benjamin has the tools to be a WR1, but he needs to catch more of his targets. Much has been made of Benjamin catching just 73 of his 145 passes, but he was a rookie in an offense with little help. He’s a red zone beast, and has a great chance of outplaying this ADP based on his red zone capability. That is, if Newton has any time to throw to him.
Greg Olsen, TE, (ADP: 50):Olsen had his best season last year, and now he’s being slightly overdrafted because of it. 84 catches, 1,008 yards and six scores are great numbers for a TE, but there are bigger-upside receivers available at this point, and TEs with similar upside available much later. Olsen is a surer thing than those other TEs, but why not go for the WR with a higher ceiling than a TE who won’t crack the Top 2 of his position?
Sleepers (Best Format)
Devin Funchess, WR, Standard (ADP: 232): Funchess, like Benjamin, is a big boy and the Panthes moved up to grab him. He shouldn’t be a threat to Benjamin’s value, but he may get his own looks in the red zone. At 232 why not take a stab?
Defense/Special Teams (ADP: 163):Carolina’s D was fantastic last season, and although they have a questionable secondary, their D-line is strong and should pick up its fair share of sacks. At LB the team is loaded, and Ted Ginn Jr. is a home run threat on any kind of return.
Deep Finds (Best Format)
Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Standard (ADP: 219): Stewart is injury prone, so you may have to wait for Artis-Payne to be worth anything, but once Stewart gets banged up you’ll have yourself a high-upside starter.
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