Cat Scratch Reader
How did the Panthers do in fantasy football? Will those trends continue?
The Carolina Panthers again struggled offensively against the Denver Broncos in Week 8 of the NFL season. Let’s take a look back at how individual Panthers players fared and if they are worth keeping moving forward. For these articles, I will be using fantasy totals in an ESPN Fantasy league I am part of, so your numbers might have been slightly different.
Bryce had, by far, his best fantasy performance of the season against the Broncos, though that wasn’t a very high bar. Despite his two interceptions, Bryce threw for 224 yards and a couple touchdowns en route to 13.56 fantasy points. As the team prepares for round two against the New Orleans Saints, Young will look to limit turnovers (he threw two in the first game). If he can start and finish a game without a turnover, Panthers fans will definitely be a little more optimistic. With the defense unable to stop anything, Bryce will likely have many opportunities to throw the football. Still, not a very viable option unless you’re desperate.
Against Denver, Hubbard had his lowest fantasy output since week one . . . against the Saints. While I doubt Hubbard will only have six carries like in the first matchup, he didn’t exactly make the most of those limited opportunities the first time around. Hopefully that was more of an offensive line needing time to gel issue and Chuba gets back on track this game. He’s been far and away the Panthers’ most consistent offensive performer (on the field and in fantasy) and is still someone to work into your lineup, even if it’s a flex spot.
With Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson missing last week’s game, Legette was leaned on as the team’s number one option for the first time this season. He performed fairly well, catching four of his seven targets for 34 yards and an early touchdown, good for 13.4 fantasy points. Thielen might be back soon, but with Johnson being traded to the Ravens, Legette will still be a focal point of the offense. For now, Legette is a good WR4/FLEX2 option.
Holy Cross, did Jalen Coker show us something on Sunday. He led the team in fantasy points with 17.8, which he got from his four catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. Like Legette, this rookie receiver was leaned on pretty heavily to help carry the passing offense. Both rookies stepped up, but Coker looked very good. Similar to Legette, Coker’s viability slightly depends on Adam Thielen’s status moving forward (especially if he gets traded, too). Still, I’d slot Coker in the same viability range as Legette.
