The Texans and Panthers last faced off almost exactly two years ago. Kyle Allen outplayed Deshaun Watson in the passing game despite throwing zero TDs. CMC averaged 3.4 YPC. Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson led Houston's rushing attack. Jarius Wright led all Carolina receivers. And of the 20 QBs/RBs/WRs/TEs who touched the ball that day, only CMC, D.J. Moore, and Jordan Akins are still with their team. Back then, Carolina was in the early stages of what would be their worst season in nine years, while Houston was coming off their second best season in the franchise's nearly two-decade history.
So nearly two years later, nearly everything has changed. Carolina is ascending thanks to greater stability at QB, more receiving weapons, and a rare season when the Saints and Falcons are clearly undermanned. The Panther have a real shot at a 10-7 or even 11-6 season. However, their final four games could be tough: @Bills, @Saints, and two versus the Bucs. If you're competing in an 18-week fantasy season, circle that Week 18 contest against Tampa Bay, which could be resting most of its starters that week if it's clinched the NFC's #1 seed.
Regardless, Carolina has to great shot at moving to 3-0 tonight. I've pushed Sam Darnold as an early-season streamer, and the same goes for this matchup. CMC's passing-game usage has been a difference maker for a QB accustomed to sub-par RBs with the Jets. I like him cracking 19 fantasy points again, making him a useful streamer if you don't have a QB1. D.J. Moore is an obvious start, but Robby Anderson is averaging only two receptions a game. Too soon to be concerned? Sure. But rookie Terrace Marshall has the same number of targets (9) and more catches (6). As noted above, this team's fantasy playoff schedule could be brutal. If Anderson plays solidly tonight, I would strongly consider selling high.
For Houston, Tyrod Taylor can't catch a break. Overpriced rookie Davis Mills will try to prove doubters wrong. As someone with human feelings, of course I'm pulling for him. But as a dedicated fantasy footballer, I wouldn't be surprised if he's Brock Osweiler 2.0. Making matters worse, the team's three-headed backfield is a collection of RBs who couldn't start anywhere else. Phillip Lindsay is the most talented, and if anyone knows why he isn't getting more touches, please shout it out. I'm genuinely dumbstruck. Unless giving Mark Ingram 15+ touches is all part of Houston's elaborate tanking strategy. I'll say one thing though: If you are desperate--and I mean desperate--for a #2 RB this week, David Johnson caught two Mills-thrown balls Sunday and is a decent bet to catch 4+ more. He's a flyer that no one would dare call a flyer.
As for Texan receivers, is there anyone besides Brandin Cooks? No. The answer is probably no. Maybe Andre Roberts or Chris Conley could finish with a 2-50 line. But let's be real here: Besides Cooks, it's hard to imagine anyone getting 4+ targets. Ultra-dart-throw TE Pharaoh Brown could be the second best receiver. And that exemplifies just how far this recently mighty franchise has fallen.
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So nearly two years later, nearly everything has changed. Carolina is ascending thanks to greater stability at QB, more receiving weapons, and a rare season when the Saints and Falcons are clearly undermanned. The Panther have a real shot at a 10-7 or even 11-6 season. However, their final four games could be tough: @Bills, @Saints, and two versus the Bucs. If you're competing in an 18-week fantasy season, circle that Week 18 contest against Tampa Bay, which could be resting most of its starters that week if it's clinched the NFC's #1 seed.
Regardless, Carolina has to great shot at moving to 3-0 tonight. I've pushed Sam Darnold as an early-season streamer, and the same goes for this matchup. CMC's passing-game usage has been a difference maker for a QB accustomed to sub-par RBs with the Jets. I like him cracking 19 fantasy points again, making him a useful streamer if you don't have a QB1. D.J. Moore is an obvious start, but Robby Anderson is averaging only two receptions a game. Too soon to be concerned? Sure. But rookie Terrace Marshall has the same number of targets (9) and more catches (6). As noted above, this team's fantasy playoff schedule could be brutal. If Anderson plays solidly tonight, I would strongly consider selling high.
For Houston, Tyrod Taylor can't catch a break. Overpriced rookie Davis Mills will try to prove doubters wrong. As someone with human feelings, of course I'm pulling for him. But as a dedicated fantasy footballer, I wouldn't be surprised if he's Brock Osweiler 2.0. Making matters worse, the team's three-headed backfield is a collection of RBs who couldn't start anywhere else. Phillip Lindsay is the most talented, and if anyone knows why he isn't getting more touches, please shout it out. I'm genuinely dumbstruck. Unless giving Mark Ingram 15+ touches is all part of Houston's elaborate tanking strategy. I'll say one thing though: If you are desperate--and I mean desperate--for a #2 RB this week, David Johnson caught two Mills-thrown balls Sunday and is a decent bet to catch 4+ more. He's a flyer that no one would dare call a flyer.
As for Texan receivers, is there anyone besides Brandin Cooks? No. The answer is probably no. Maybe Andre Roberts or Chris Conley could finish with a 2-50 line. But let's be real here: Besides Cooks, it's hard to imagine anyone getting 4+ targets. Ultra-dart-throw TE Pharaoh Brown could be the second best receiver. And that exemplifies just how far this recently mighty franchise has fallen.
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Personalized Fantasy Advice Sign-up: www.fantasyfootballforwinners.com/p/personalized-fantasy-advice.html
Follow on Twitter: @_FF4W